What won the race: Leading all the way from the pole position, Rick Duke of Ball, La., topped third-starting Rob Litton to win Saturday’s Louisiana State Championship at Baton Rouge Raceway. Duke earned $1,500 for his first win with the Louisiana Late Model Racing Series. Fourth-starting Alex Ashley completed the podium.

Key notes: Duke denied Litton his fourth series victory. … Litton of Alexandria, La., won the tour’s inaugural visit to Baton Rouge on March 31. … Overheating issues sidelined Tracy Denby Jr. halfway through the 30-lap feature. ... Thanks to two rainouts in September, the series had been on hiatus since Aug. 25. … Cade Dillard of Robeline, La., has won four of 10 series races, but was not in attendance. … Dannon LaCoste of Theriot, La., didn’t start the main event. … The first-year tour sanctions the annual Spooky 50 at Chatham (La.) Speedway Oct. 19-20. The two-day event features a $2,000-to-win main event on Friday and a series-high $9,000-to-win feature on Saturday.

On the move: Ronny Adams of Longview, Texas, started 15th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Duke drives a Rocket Chassis powered by a Wall 2 Wall Performance Engine and sponsored by Plexus Worldwide and Advanced Service.

Points chase: Entering the weekend, Rob Litton of Alexandria, La., had 1,070 points to lead Ronny Adams (965) and Brock Williams (930).

Car count: 21

Polesitter: Rick Duke

Heat race winners: Tracy Denby Jr., Kody Barber, Brock Williams

Next series race: October 19, Chatham Speedway (Chatham, LA) $2,000