What won the race: Overcoming race-long pressure and a last-lap bid by polesitter Ethan Wilson, second-starting Steve Banal of Rock Hill, S.C., led all 40 laps to win Saturday's Bob Sharp Memorial at Sumter Speedway. Banal bagged a $5,000 payday for his first career Ultimate Southeast Series victory and his first win of any kind since Sept. 18, 2021, the Steel Block Bandits Series debut at Sumter.

Quotable: “It’s been a struggle, everybody knows that ya know, but we really run good here,” Banal said. “We went with a soft tire (compound) and I got saved by the caution a couple laps into the race, I didn’t know you could really get that low (on the track). I was just trying to ride and take it easy and not catch the lapped cars … I just appreciate everyone racing me clean cause I’m sure he could’ve moved me out of the way. I’m just glad to be here.”

Key notes: Ethan Wilson's last-lap attempt sent him wide at the entrance of turn three, as he drifted up into the heavy cushion, allowing Anthony Sanders to sneak by; Sanders finished 1.363 seconds behind Banal at the line while Wilson settled for third. ... After initially qualifying sixth in his group Christian Thomas's time was disallowed when he was found to be light at the scales. He charged to fourth after starting near the back. ... Austin Mintz ran as high as third in the opening laps before slipping to fifth. ... Carson Brown overcame contact with multiple competitors to finish sixth, including lap-eight contact that sent Luke Cooper spinning from fifth and bringing out the race's fifth caution. Cooper and Brian Strickland both retired from the incident. ... Brown and Ben Watkins traded paint on the ensuing restart, with Brown muscling his way into sixth, relegating Watkins to finish seventh. Watkins was seeking his second victory of the weekend after winning Friday's Mid-East Super Late Model Series debut at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, N.C. ... Series points leader Gray Parton overcame pitting under the opening stoppage on lap three and rebounded to eighth. ... The main event was slowed by six cautions and lasted 37 minutes, with 12 competitors running at the checkers.

On the move: Christian Thomas of Wake Forest, N.C., started 22nd and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Banal’s Swartz Race Car is powered by a Pro Power Racing Engine and carries sponsorship from T.D.I Commercial & Residential Improvements, Wesley Page Racing Shocks, Banal Racing and Ntense Graphics.

Points chase: After Sumter: 1. Gray Parton (274); 2. David Yandle (203); 3. Christian Thomas (202); 4. Ben Watkins (174); 5. Willie Milliken (161).

Current weather: Scattered Clouds, 86°F

Car count: 23

Fast qualifier: Steve Banal

Time: 14.673 seconds

Polesitter: Ethan Wilson

Next series race: August 24, Ultimate Motorsports Park (Elkin, NC) $7,500