What won the race: Ben Watkins of Rock Hill, S.C., swept Saturday’s Fast Unified Engine Late Model Series action at Cherokee, setting fast time, winning his heat and leading flag-to-flag for his second career FUEL triumph. Watkins topped Steve Banal and Adam Yarbrough in earning $2,500 in a race with a serious lap-21 accident that injured pitside observers.

Key notes: Watkins, the polesitter, finished 1.400 seconds ahead of Banal. … Watkins’ previous FUEL victory came June 3, 2017 at Lavonia (Ga.) Speedway. … The race was red-flagged on lap 21 for a grinding crash involving multiple cars. Brian Ledbetter struck the inside wall destroying a large section of the fence atop the concrete barrier separating the track from the infield. Ledbetter’s car flipped over and came to rest on the track. He walked away from the incident under his own power. … Two spectators were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being struck by debris, according to a Speed51.com report. ... The feature, scheduled for 35 laps, was shortened to 30 laps. ... Fifteen cars completed all 30 laps.

On the move: Shaun Harrell of Raeford, N.C., improved seven spots after starting 15th.

Winner's sponsors: Watkins drives a Rocket Chassis with a Clements Racing Engine that is sponsored by Craig Industries, Baird Transport, Cartersville Country Winery, Heintz Bros Performance, Indocil Art, Sandwood Company, Inc., and A-Mobile Storage.

Points chase: It was FUEL’s season opener.

Car count: 26

Fast qualifier: Ben Watkins

Time: 15.554 seconds

Polesitter: Ben Watkins

Heat race winners: Ben Watkins, Steve Banal, Anthony Sanders

Next series race: April 21, Fayetteville Motor Speedway (Fayetteville, NC) $3,000