What won the race: Sixth-starting Rusty Schlenk of McClure, Ohio, captured Friday’s Sunoco American Late Model Series season-opener. Schlenk topped polesitter Logan Arntz for a $2,000 victory at I-96 Speedway. Brandon Thirlby finished third.

Key notes: Rusty Schlenk’s win came on a night of gradual improvement. He started seventh in his heat and finished second before starting on the third row of the main event and improving five more positions. … The win also came on the 79th birthday of Hall of Fame chassis builder C.J. Rayburn, whose Whiteland, Ind.-built chassis brand Schlenk pilots. … It was Schlenk’s second win overall of 2019 and his 28th career Sunoco ALMS triumph. He’s currently fourth on the tour’s all-time win list. … Schlenk tied Jeep Van Wormer of Pinconning, Mich., with four ALMS victories at I-96. His previous wins there came in 2018, 2014 and way back in 2004. … Outside front-row starter Ryan Vanderveen failed to start the feature. ... Saturday's ALMS event at Eldora Speedway was scrapped with the Rossburg, Ohio, oval, facing road closures from flooding conditions in the area.

On the move: Brandon Thirlby of Traverse City, Mich., started 18th and finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Schlenk’s C.J. Rayburn Race Car is powered by an ECR Engine and sponsored by Buckeye Concrete Coatings, Tom Finch Automotive, Dominator Race Products, Velocita USA, Landrum Performance Springs, VP Racing Fuel, Vahlco Racing Wheels, Wilwood and CP-Carrillo.

Points chase: Schlenk grabbed the early ALMS points lead.

Current weather: Partly Cloudy, 50°F

Car count: 26

Fast qualifier: Brandon Thirlby

Time: 15.985 seconds

Polesitter: Logan Arntz

Heat race winners: Logan Arntz, Ryan VanderVeen, Chad Stapleton

Consolation race winners: Chad Finley

Next series race: May 10, Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL) $10,000