What won the race: Overtaking polesitter Casey Roberts in turn two following a lap-17 caution, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga., streaked to victory in the Schaeffer's Spring Nationals opener at Oglethorpe Speedway Park. Repelling late-race challenges from Roberts in the closing laps, McDowell earned $4,000.

Quotable: "I think it was Casey's race — he was good, good all night really. He just pushed down there in the middle of the corner," McDowell said of the winning pass. "I had been doing that same thing, so I think, with me being down on the bottom (for the restart), I grabbed that mud and I was able to turn the corner. ... I'm pretty sure that's how I got by him."

Key notes: McDowell's notched his series-leading 10th career victory as the tour made its Oglethorpe debut. ... Runner-up Casey Roberts led the first 17 laps. ... Michael Page retired on lap 17. ... Eleven competitors completed 40 laps. .... Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., made a surprise and rare tour appearance aboard the Longhorn Chassis House Car, finishing fifth. ... Saturday's action heads to Cochran Motor Speedway for the $10,000-to-win finale. ... The series announced Wednesday the 2019 points fund has increased, with $10,053 going to this year's Spring Nationals champion.

On the move: Walker Arthur of Forest, Va., started 18th and finished sixth.

Winner's sponsors: McDowell’s Sweet-Bloomquist Race Car is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by E-Z-Go, New Era Industrial, Quality Natural Gas, Will Kinzer Foundation, Cometic Gasket and Klotz Lubricants.

Points chase: After Oglethorpe: 1. Dale McDowell (200); 2. Casey Roberts (196); 3. Ashton Winger (194); 4. Donald McIntosh (192); 5. Tim McCreadie (190); 6. Walker Arthur (188); 7. Ross Bailes (186); 8. Ivedent Lloyd Jr. (184); 9. John Henderson (182); 10. Tyler Millwood (180).

Current weather: Clear, 60°F

Car count: 18

Fast qualifier: Casey Roberts

Time: 17.730 seconds

Polesitter: Casey Roberts

Heat race winners: Jimmy Sharpe Jr., Tyler Millwood

Next series race: March 29, Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, AL) $4,000