What won the race: Four-time series champ John Kaanta of Elk Mound, Wis., led all the way from the pole position to notch his 24th career Challenge Series victory, just four behind all-time leader Pat Doar. Kaanta took the checkers ahead of Eric Breeschoten of Buffalo, Minn., and Jake Redetzke of Eau Claire, Wis.

Key notes: The race was the season opener for the WISSOTA-sanctioned series that will pay a record-high $10,000 to the champion. ... Jordan Heiman was scheduled to start eighth but dropped a driveshaft during parade laps. ... Nate Beyenhof slowed for a lap-nine yellow. ... John Hoefert drew a caution in turn four on the 11th lap. ... Eighteen of 25 starters were running at the finish. ... The event drew 35 drivers from four states and two Canadian provinces. ... Zach Johnson of Kensington, Minn., winner of last year's title, finished 10th. ... The five-division event was sponsored by Dakotaland Federal Credit Union.

On the move: Breeschoten came from his eighth starting spot to finish second.

Winner's sponsors: Kaanta is sponsored by Mars Race Cars, Joe Provo Racewear, C&D Trucking, Brown Engineering, CMD Race Shocks, Chad's Towing & Recovery, Don's Sheet Metal, GRP Motorsports, Karl's Chevrolet, Rick's Auto Care Center and Brent Wachsmuth Excavating, Trucking & Concrete.

Points chase: Kaanta, who won series titles in 2002-'03 as well as '10 and '12, moves into the early points lead in pursuit of his fifth title, which would break his tie with Pat Doar.

Car count: 35

Polesitter: John Kaanta

Heat race winners: Curt Gelling, Lance Matthees, Scott Ward, Pat Doar

Consolation race winners: Nick Beyenhof, Jeff Wildung

Provisional starters: David McDonald

Next series race: June 6, Brown County Speedway (Aberdeen, SD) $3,000