What won the race: Moving forward from his third starting position, Late Model rookie Mike Chasteen Jr. of Creve Coeur, Ill., stuck to the bottom groove to first pass Ryan Unzicker and then polesitter Brian Shirley to win Friday’s Midwest Big 10 Series season opener at Lincoln Speedway. He claimed $1,500 for his first career Big 10 victory.

Key notes: After Shirley jumped out to an early race lead, Chasteen Jr. worked the bottom to wrestle away the top spot and build a comfortable lead late in the 25-lap affair. … Chasteen was utilizing an all-steel engine. ... The race was slowed by only one caution after the first 19 laps went caution free. ... Lincoln Speedway hosted the Big 10 tour's season-opener. … It’s the seventh time the series has visited the central Illinois oval and the first night of a weekend doubleheader.

On the move: Jose Parga of New Berlin, Ill., started seventh and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Chasteen’s Kryptonite Race Car is sponsored by Machine Medics, Winner's Circle Speed and Custom, Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Window Tinting by Matt Fleming, Bruce Engineering and Kooter’s Drain Cleaning.

Points chase: The Big 10 tour opens its season; Jose Parga of New Berlin, Ill., is the 2018 champion.

Current weather: Clear, 77°F

Car count: 14

Fast qualifier: Brian Shirley

Time: 13.793 seconds

Polesitter: Brian Shirley

Heat race winners: Brian Shirley, Ryan Unzicker

Next series race: May 18, Highland Speedway (Highland, IL) $1,500