What won the race: Third-starting Kyle Beard of Trumann, Ark., took the lead for good on lap 11 and led the rest of the way Saturday at Jackson Motor Speedway to capture the $3,000 Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series season opener. Beard, who led 33 of 40 laps, finished 4.545 seconds ahead of runner-up B.J. Robinson.

Key notes: Beard earned his fourth career series victory and his fourth at Jackson since 2020, collecting more than $21,000 during that time. ... Brian Rickman led laps four through 10 before fading to finish third. ... Sixth-starting Robinson traded the runner-up position with Rickman multiple times. ... Polesitter Mike Palasini Jr. failed to lead a lap and finished fourth. ... Neil Baggett advanced three positions and finished fifth. ... Michael Arnold and Chase Williams scratched, crediting them with finishing 21st and 22nd. ... Saturday's feature was slowed by three cautions and lasted 24 minutes, with 12 competitors completing 40 laps. ... The Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series returns to Jackson on July 1 for another $3,000-to-win program.

On the move: Chad Thrash of Meridian, Miss., started 13th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Beard’s Mann Motorsports Black Diamond Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by Gary Beard Trucking, Terry Phillips Racing, Rockhard Powder Coating, Swift Springs, AutoCraft Paint & Bodyworks, Team 5 Enterprise, Rod End Supply, KB Transport LLC, Schaeffer’s Racing Oil and Xtreme Race Graphics.

Current weather: Broken Clouds, 63°F

Car count: 22

Fast qualifier: Mike Palasini Jr.

Time: 15.504 seconds

Polesitter: Mike Palasini Jr.

Dash winner: Mike Palasini Jr.

Consolation race winners: Rick Rickman, Brandon Carpenter

Next series race: April 1, Whynot Motorsports Park (Meridian, MS) $0