What won the race: Leading the final nine laps after a lap-12 spin, Rich Neiser of Fruitport, Mich., wrapped up the championship on the first-year American Ethanol Tour at Merritt Speedway. Neiser earned $3,000 for the 41-lap Gene Playter Memorial victory and completed a $6,000 sweep of Merritt's Gene Kregear Engine Pro Championship weekend.

Key notes: Neiser was running third early in the feature when he got out of shape entering turn three and ended up spinning at the top of the frontstretch. He restarted on the back and rallied back into the top five by the 24th lap. ... Neiser won three of nine series races. ... He pocketed $3,000 on Saturday at Merritt. ... Outside front-row starter Bill Bray led the first 11 laps. .... Dona Marcoullier, driving Chad Foster's car after a rollover accident in his own machine Saturday, led the race's middle stages while Eric Spangler took over in the second half of the race, but mechanical woes forced him out, handing the lead to Neiser. ... Nick Kurtz scratched from the feature. ... The race paid tribute to Michigan racer Gene Playter, who died Aug. 31. The 41-lap feature honored his No. 41 machine. ... His son (Jesse) and grandson (Jason Jr.) were among drivers in action at Merritt.

On the move: Frank Seder of Alger, Mich., started 12th and finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Neiser's Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Baker Engineered Racing Engines, J&J Machine, Daugherty Motorsports, Keyser Mfg., Bob and Ruth Mumby and Bowman's Body Shop.

Points chase: Rich Neiser wrapped up the title on the first-year American Ethanol Late Model Tour.

Car count: 27

Fast qualifier: Rich Neiser

Time: 14.638 seconds

Polesitter: Sam Epling

Heat race winners: Steve Fairbanks, Bill Bray, Dona Marcoullier

Consolation race winners: Jeremy Tulick