What won the race: Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., led all 40 laps at Mississippi Thunder Speedway to score a $10,000 World of Outlaws Case Late Model Series victory on opening night of the Dairyland Showdown.

Quotable: “It’s a good start to the weekend,” Pierce said. “Everyone looks at these top series, so if you win one of them it’s great prestige. Hopefully we can just do it again when it’s 50-grand Saturday.”

Key notes: Pierce earned his third career WoO victory, his first with the series since May 1, 2021. ... Stormy Scott of Las Cruces, N.M. started fourth and finished second, 2.071 seconds behind Pierce. ... Second-starting Ryan Gustin of Marshalltown, Iowa, finished 10th. ... Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., was slated to start sixth but pulled off the track prior to the green flag when his brakes malfunctioned. ... Seventeen starters completed all 40 laps of the feature, which was slowed by two cautions (laps 11 and 22). ... Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., was disqualified from his apparent heat win because his rear deck height exceeded the maximum allowance by 1 inch. He transferred through a consolation race and retired from the feature in 21st just past halfway. ... Series points leader Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., lowered the track record in time trials with a lap of 13.441 seconds.

On the move: Cade Dillard of Robeline, La., started ninth and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Pierce’s Pierce Race Car is sponsored by Hoker Trucking, Allgayer Inc., Rio Grande Waste Services, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Carnaghi Towing & Repair, Extreme Electric, Toyota of Danville, Quality Paint & Body, Base Racing Fuels, Senior Life Insurance and the Vermilion County Bobcats.

Points chase: After Thursday: 1. Dennis Erb Jr. (1,766); 2. Max Blair (1,712); 3. Tyler Bruening (1,660); 4; Tanner English (1,648); 5. Josh Richards (1,542).; T6. Kyle Hammer (1,534); T6. Brent Larson (1,534); 8. Ryan Gustin (1,532); 9. Gordy Gundaker (1,502); 10. Boom Briggs (1,498).

Current weather: Clear, 54°F

Car count: 38

Fast qualifier: Dennis Erb Jr.

Time: 13.441 seconds

Polesitter: Bobby Pierce

Heat race winners: Mike Marlar, Stormy Scott, Ryan Gustin, Bobby Pierce

Consolation race winners: Brent Larson, Garrett Alberson

Provisional starters: Kyle Hammer, Jesse Glenz

Next series race: May 7, Mississippi Thunder Speedway (Fountain City, WI) $50,000