What won the race: Hometown driver and Hall of Famer Jimmy Mars led all the way from his pole position in Thursday's Mahder 55 at Red Cedar Speedway for his fourth consecutive $5,555 victory in the track's memorial event. Mars crossed the finish line 1.837 seconds ahead of fellow front-row starter A.J. Diemel.

Key notes: Mars also won the Mahder 55 in 2017-19 and '21 (the race wasn't held at Red Cedar in '20). ... Rick Hanestad rallied from 11th for a top-five finish. ... A dozen drivers completed 55 laps. ... The Mahder 55 that pays tribute to late racer Duane Mahder kicked off a weekend tripleheader of racing for the WISSOTA Late Models at Red Cedar Speedway. … Friday and Saturday marks the 42nd annual Punky Manor Challenge of Champions, a two-day show that culminates with Saturday’s $4,500-to-win feature. ... Both events are part of the Explore Menomonie Raceweek, a three-day show making it the biggest race weekend in track history.

On the move: Sam Mars of Menomonie, Wis., the winner's son, started 19th and finished eighth.

Winner's sponsors: Mars drives an MB Customs Race Car powered by a Pro Power Racing engine and sponsored by Veit, Vonco, Deppe Enterprises, T.L. Sinz Plumbing, Keyes Chevytown, Armi Contractors, Mid-States Equipment, Baileigh Industrial, S&S Transport, QualityFreightRate, Groveyard Auto, Joe Signs, VP Racing Fuels and Joe Provo Race Wear.

Points chase: Mark Hessler leads Red Cedar Speedway points at his home track.

Current weather: Clear, 48°F

Car count: 37

Polesitter: Jimmy Mars

Heat race winners: Jimmy Mars, A.J. Diemel, Darrell Nelson, Nick Panitzke

Consolation race winners: Sam Mars, Mike Prochnow

Next series race: September 23, Red Cedar Speedway (Menomonie, WI) $4,500