What won the race: Taking control for good after Christian Thomas retired on lap 11, second-starting Dustin Mitchell of Pine Level, N.C., led the remainder of Saturday's 30-lap County Line Raceway feature co-sanctioned by the Vision Wheel Steel Block Bandits and Mid-East 525 Series. Mitchell beat Rouse by 0.694 of a second to claim the $3,000 payday, his first Steel Block Bandits victory of the season and second of his career at County Line (Oct. 14, 2023).

Key notes: Mitchell led three times for 27 laps (2, 4-9, 11-30) en route to his 10th career Steel Block Bandits victory, further extending his lead on the tour's all-time win list. ... It's his first series win since last May 31 at Dixieland Speedway in Elizabeth City, N.C. ... Michael Rouse, winner of May 22's $5,000 unsanctioned Limiteds special, grabbed the runner-up spot on a lap-20 restart, but never truly threatened Mitchell's advantage. ... The race had three leaders, Mitchell being the only one who did not have trouble: Michael Batten slowed to trigger the first caution after leading the opening lap; Christian Thomas led twice for two laps (3, 10) before retiring on the 11th lap. ... Timmy Mills gained three spots to round out the top five. ... The 30-lapper was slowed by eight incidents and lasted 36 minutes, with 13 starters completing the distance.

On the move: Runner-up finisher Michael Rouse of Wilson, N.C., started 10th.

Winner's sponsors: Mitchell’s Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Power Source Racing Engine and sponsored by Donnie’s Body Shop, B&L Hauling, Colebrooke Custom Homes, Tyn-Co Concrete, Currin Construction, KW Locksmith, Mac Tools by Berry Daughtry, True Story Acres, FK Rod Ends, Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants, Willy’s Carbs, Swift Springs, Hardison Suspension Technologies and Three Aces Speed Shop.

Points chase: Bandits before County Line: 1. Dillon Brown (55); 2. Michael Rouse (54); T3. Robbie Emory (51); T3. Jeremy Steele (51); 5. Brent Robinson (49). Mid-East 525 before County Line: T1. Jesse Rockett (65); T1. Austin Mintz (65); 3. Chris Stowe (64); T4. Dalton Jacobs (61); T4. Colton Stanley (61).

Current weather: Clear, 61°F

Car count: 20

Fast qualifier: Michael Batten

Time: 14.059 seconds

Polesitter: Michael Batten

Next series race: October 11, County Line Raceway (Elm City, NC) $5,000