What won the race: Polesitter Ricky Weiss of St. Francois Xavier, Manitoba, earned $1,100 for his victory in the season-opening event for the Northern LateModel Racing Association. Jeff Wildung of Nassau, Minn., charged from ninth to finish second, while sixth-starting Brad Seng of Grand Forks, N.D., rounded out the podium.

Key notes: Outside front-row starter Pat Doar led at the outset, but a flat tire on the first lap forced him to pit; he rallied to finish ninth. ... Weiss took the lead on the next start attempt and controlled the rest of the race. ... Twenty of the 26 entrants were running at the feature's finish. ... World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car standout Donny Schatz of Fargo, N.D., climbed from 12th to finish seventh in his Club 29 Race Car. ... Outside front-row starter Pat Doar of New Richmond, Wis., faded to finish eighth. ... The Minnesota oval hosted the first of two weekend races to open the NLRA season; the tour is making its 31st and 32nd appearances at the Douglas County Fairgrounds oval. ... Viking has hosted NLRA action on Memorial Day weekend every year since 2006 (except for '12). ... Apol's Harley-Davidson Alexandria and Cashwise Liquors sponsored the night's action.

On the move: Reigning NLRA champion Dustin Strand of Grand Forks, N.D., advanced from 14th to finish fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Weiss pilots a Bloomquist Race Car powered by a Pro Power Racing Engine that carries sponsorship from A.I.E. Mobility, Bell Mobility, Derrick's Sandblasting, Eibach Springs, Forest Flying Service, Hands On Excavating, J&C Trucking, Keewatin Truck Service, Metalz In Motion, New Vision Graphics, Speedworld Indoor Kart Track, Turk Enterprises and Wulff Pumps.

Points chase: Weiss, the 2011 NLRA champion, opens the tour's 2014 season atop the standings.

Car count: 26

Polesitter: Ricky Weiss

Heat race winners: Bill Mooney, Ricky Weiss, Pat Doar

Next series race: June 14, Greenbush Race Park (Greenbush, MN) $1,000