What won the race: Grabbing the lead on the high side on the opening lap, second-starting Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., led all 55 laps to win the Duane Mahder Memorial Friday at Red Cedar Speedway. Mars topped fellow Menomonie native Mike Prochnow for the victory at his hometown track. He collected $5,555 for his third career WISSOTA Shaw Trucking Challenge Series win.

Key notes: The race was stopped on lap 22 for a wild accident involving Steve Laursen and Jesse Glenz, who got together while battling for sixth place. Laursen jumped the right front wheel of Glenz's car and was launched into the air. Laursen’s car nearly went airborne before crashing into the fence entering turn one, where several drivers narrowly missed the accident. Laursen was reportedly stunned briefly, but exited the car under his own power without injury. … Before the race started, Cole Spacek and Mike Keller made contact while stopping to drop off the flags the drivers were carrying for the pre-race ceremony. Neither managed to compete a lap in the feature because of damage the cars sustained. … A.J. Diemel, who was running second when the final caution appeared, got stranded on the outside on a restart with 15 laps remaining and lost several spots when he couldn't get back in line. … Nineteen of the 26 starters finished the race. ... The $5,555 winner's share was the second highest on the WCS tour this season and was made possible thanks to additional sponsorship from Seubert Calf Ranches, along with Serv-Pro of Barron, Dunn and Rusk counties. … The race honored the late driver from Eau Claire, Wis., who was killed last year in a work-related accident. Mahder was a long-time WISSOTA Late Model race and regular with the WISSOTA Challenge Series. … Driving a Buddy Hanestad-owned No. 55 with a throwback scheme paying tribute to his father, Chad Mahder won the B-feature after starting 12th. He retired from the main event in 21st.

On the move: Blake Swenson of Waterdown, S.D., finished 15th after starting 25th.

Winner's sponsors: Mars drives an MB Customs machine powered by a Pro Power Racing Engine and sponsored by Deppe Enterprises, S&S Transport, T.L. Sinz Plumbing, Baileigh Industrial, Moore Wireline, CMD and Keyes Chevytown.

Points chase: Entering the event, five-time series champion John Kaanta of Elk Mound, Wis., held a three-point lead over Steve Laursen of Cumberland, Wis.

Car count: 31

Polesitter: Steve Laursen

Heat race winners: Jesse Glenz, Pat Doar, A.J. Diemel, Jimmy Mars

Consolation race winners: Chad Mahder

Next series race: August 12, ABC Raceway (Ashland, WI) $2,000