What won the race: Winning a battle of track champions, ninth-starting Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., overtook hometown driver Eric Spangler on the 24th lap and led the rest of the way Sunday at Merritt Speedway. His American Ethanol Late Model Tour victory paid $4,000.

Quotable: “This car is awesome. Hat’s off to Mark Richards, Steve Baker … I mean this XR1 Rocket, it’s by far one of the best investments we’ve ever made,” said Marcoullier. “I guess it gives you character, starting ninth and winning the son-of-a-gun. I don’t know … I’m happy. Last night was kinda rough on things. We spent all day changing parts and bent pieces trying to get this thing back to where it needs to be.”

Key notes: Marcoullier notched his series-leading fourth victory of 2017 in front of the largest crowd in Merritt history. ... Thirteen drivers completed 40 laps. ... The feature began nearly eight hours after hot laps started. ... It was the second race of a weekend doubleheader for the Ethanol tour; Spangler won Saturday at Thunderbird Raceway. … Merritt hosts the UMP DIRTcar Summernationals on July 13.

On the move: Winner Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., advanced eight positions.

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

Points chase: Entering the weekend, Marcoullier (429 points) led the series points over Eric Spangler (383), Brandon Thirlby (335), Brian Ruhlman (322) and Ryan VanderVeen (321).

Car count: 31

Fast qualifier: Eric Spangler

Time: 14.701 seconds

Polesitter: Eric Spangler

Heat race winners: Eric Spangler, Dona Marcoullier, Travis Stemler

Consolation race winners: Chris Brindley

Provisional starters: Matt Shipley, Chad  Foster

Next series race: July 28, I-96 Speedway (Lake Odessa, MI) $4,000