What won the race: Fourth-starting J.R. Hotovy of Covert, Mich., bested sixth-starting Eric Spangler of Lake City, Mich., for his first career American Ethanol Late Model Series victory at Hartford Speedway. Hotovy quickly bolted to the lead and never looked back en route to a $4,000 payday.

Quotable: "I want to say thanks to a very special friend of mine, Chad White, for letting me drive his race car tonight," Hotovy noted in a Facebook post after his triumph. "The thing was awesome fast and a blast to drive. We pulled out the win and I can't wipe the smile off my face."

Key notes: Hotovy kept Spangler several car lengths behind him through the race's late stages. ... Mike Spatola of Manhattan, Ill., bypassed a UMP DIRTcar Summernationals event in his backyard at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway to enter the Hartford show. He finished third. ... Front-row starters Dona Marcoullier and Brian Ruhlman both ran into problems while running in the top five. ... Marcoullier was struck by terminal engine woes; he planned to install a new Rhyne powerplant for his remaining weekend action. ... The American Ethanol Late Model Tour invaded the Hartford Speedway for the second time this season. ... Billy Moyer Jr. was the winner of the first Ethanol tour event at Hartford on June 17; he was not on hand Friday.

On the move: Ryan VanderVeen of Six Lakes, Mich., advanced from the ninth starting spot to finish fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Hotovy's No. 20 is sponsored by Bovo Bail Bonds, Automotive Electric, Delmars Lawn Care and Parritts Trading Post.

Points chase: Entering the event, Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., topped the tour standings (336 points) over Ryan VanderVeen (322) and Rusty Schlenk (314).

Car count: 24

Fast qualifier: Rich Bell

Time: 19.019 seconds

Polesitter: Dona Marcoullier

Heat race winners: Mike Spatola, Dona Marcoullier, J.R. Hotovy

Next series race: August 5, I-96 Speedway (Lake Odessa, MI) $4,000