What won the race: Fifth-starting Ross Bailes of Clover, S.C., led the final three laps at Carolina Speedway, rubbing past G.R. Smith in turn two to gain command for a $5,000 Carolina Clash victory in the 16th annual Skyler Trull Memorial. Dean Bowen of Whiteville, N.C., finished second in the 40-lap feature while Smith slipped to fourth at the finish after top-five runners Dennis Franklin and Brett Hamm tangled on the frontstretch with just two laps remaining.

Quotable: "I gotta thank this guy right here beside me," a visibly excited Bailes said in victory he’s been, motioning toward his car owner Ronnie McCarter. "He's been with me forever."

Key notes: Bailes has five career Carolina Clash victories; his previous win came Sept. 5, 2015, at Lancaster (S.C.) Speedway. ... Chris Ferguson led the first 22 laps but pulled to the pits with due to a broken right-front lower control arm on his car. ... G.R. Smith inherited the lead from Ferguson and set the pace until Bailes slipped underneath on lap 38. ... The race was slowed by five cautions. ... Johnny Pursley spun on the opening lap, collecting reigning series champ Ben Watkins. ... Jonathan Edwards slowed on lap 12. ... Kevin Wilson and Brock Morris made contact for another yellow. ... The Skyler Trull Memorial is held every year in honor of a Doug Sanders crew member's daughter. ... Steve Banal won the $2,000 SECA Crate Late Model event.

On the move: Kenny Collins of Colbert, Ga., started 14th to finish sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Bailes drives the Ronnie McCarter-owned No. 87 Longhorn Chassis sponsored by Bailes Construction, Felony Farms and FK Rod Ends, American Racer Tires and Renegade Fuel.

Points chase: The race opened the 2016 season for the Carolina Clash. Ben Watkins of Rock Hill, S.C. is the reigning series champion.

Car count: 26

Fast qualifier: Chris Ferguson

Time: 14.910 seconds

Polesitter: Chris Ferguson

Heat race winners: Dennis Franklin, Dean Bowen

Next series race: March 19, Lancaster Speedway (Lancaster, SC) $5,000