What won the race: Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., went around Kyle Borgman on the third lap and never looked back in winning the Merritt Showdown in dominating fashion. Marcoullier won by 1.540 seconds over Ryan VanderVeen, earning a career-high $6,000.

Quotable: "This is great, it's our biggest career payday ... this year's been awesome," said Marcoullier, who has six victories overall in eight starts in his trusty Rocket car. "This racetrack, it was racy top and bottom, it had some good character to it. Thanks to Merritt Speedway for putting the show on."

Key notes: The third series victory ties the 31-year-old Marcoullier with Rich Neiser of Fruitport, Mich., atop the all-time Ethanol list. ... Before cautions bunched the field, the winner stretched his lead to more than a three-second margin. ... Kyle Borgman was running third when he drew a lap-17 caution. ... Rich Bell won the non-qualifiers' race, picking up $1,500. ... The event opened the season for the Ethanol tour after a May 27 rainout at Winston Speedway. ... Don's Auto Clinic sponsored the race.

On the move: Eric Spangler of Lake City, Mich., rallied from his 18th starting spot to finish third; Brian Ruhlman of Clark Lake, Mich., started alongside Spangler on the ninth row and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Marcoullier's Rocket Chassis is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Dennis Craft Construction, Dubie Groomer, Jimmy's Collision, McBain Body Shop and Allstar Performance.

Points chase: Marcoullier leads the standings after a single event.

Car count: 42

Fast qualifier: Dona Marcoullier

Time: 15.003 seconds

Heat race winners: Travis Stemler, Jayson Playter Jr., Kyle Borgman, Dona Marcoullier

Consolation race winners: Brian Ruhlman, Eric Spangler

Next series race: June 17, Hartford Speedway (Hartford, MI) $4,000