What won the race: Inheriting the lead when Kenny Collins retired on the 19th lap, Payton Freeman of Commerce, Ga., led the rest of the way Thursday at Tri-County Racetrack, holding off a hard-charging David Payne in the closing laps to for a $5,700 victory in the inaugural Russell Thomas Memorial.

Key notes: Freeman notched his second Super Late Model victory of the season. ... He previously won April 30 at Boyd's Speedway in Ringgold, Ga. ... Freeman has six runner-up finishes, including two on the DIRTcar Summer Nationals. ... Tri-County runner-up David Payne finished 0.921 of a second behind the winner. ... Five drivers finished on the lead lap. ... Kenny Collins picked up $500 for winning the quick six dash. ... The night paid homage to Russell Thomas, a former Georgia racer and 1995 track champion at Whitter, N.C.'s Smoky Mountain Raceway, who died in December. … Thomas drove the No. 57, hence the 57-lap count and winner’s purse. … Jason Deal drove a throwback version of a former blue-and-yellow Thomas car.

Winner's sponsors: Freeman’s Rocket Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine (Ford) and sponsored by Madison County Auto Parts, Freeman Plumbing, Coltman Farms, Dave Gordon Auto Supply, Madison County Auto Parts, Rod Roberts Trucking, Chatham & Son Tile, Shelton Trucking, Collins Signs, Schaeffer’s Racing Oil, Hoosier Racing Tire and McCallister Precision Marketing.

Points chase: Jason Deal leads the track’s Limited Late Model points.

Current weather: Clear, 64°F

Car count: 20

Fast qualifier: Kenny Collins

Time: 12.146 seconds

Polesitter: Kenny Collins

Dash winner: Kenny Collins