What won the race: Turning back challenges from his Roberts Racing teammate Jeremiah Hurst, third-starting Garrett Alberson of Las Cruces, N.M., soared to his first career Lucas Oil Midwest LateModel Racing Association victory in Saturday night's 40-lap feature at 34 Raceway. He pocketed $5,000 after beating Hurst to the finish line by 0.615 of a second.

Quotable: “I was having such a hard time getting around the 76 there and I needed to make speed because my car was getting kind of flat feeling,” Alberson said of the race’s late stages. “I saw him (Hurst) down there and I told myself, ‘These have got to be the best five laps of your life right here.’ What an awesome run. We have been working for this for a long time and been getting really close. It just feels awesome.”

Key notes: Alberson overtook Tony Jackson Jr. for the lead on lap six and held a comfortable edge during the race’s middle stages, but Hurst caught his teammate and snuck by to assume command on lap 36. Alberson regained the top spot on the 38th circuit, however, and held on. … Hurst, the defending MLRA champion, registered his second runner-up finish of 2021 on the tour and joked about being outdueled for the win by his teammate. “I think I’m the one that got Garrett on board here, so I’m kinda kicking myself in the ass right now for it,” he said with a smile, before adding: I’m happy where we’re at and I’m happy for Garrett and all our people.” … Billy Moyer Jr., coming off a MLRA win the previous night at Davenport (Iowa) Speedway, led laps 1-2 and finished third. … Jackson finished fifth after leading laps 3-5. … The feature’s only caution flag flew on lap 11 when Tim Simpson spun exiting turn four and nearly collected Jackson.

On the move: Tad Pospisil of Norfolk, Neb., started 11th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Alberson’s Roberts Motorsports Black Diamond Race Car carries a Clements engine and sponsorship from Roemer Machine, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Mesilla Valley Transportation, DoneRight.TV, Capri College, Preston Telephone Company and Lucas Oil Products.

Points chase: After 34 Raceway: 1. Tony Jackson Jr. (2,685): 2. Garrett Alberson (2,480); 3. Jason Papich (2,275): 4. Mason Oberkramer (2,005); 5. Justin Duty (1,935).

Current weather: Clear, 77°F

Car count: 24

Fast qualifier: Billy Moyer Jr.

Time: 15.075 seconds

Polesitter: Billy Moyer Jr.

Heat race winners: Billy Moyer Jr., Tony Jackson Jr., Garrett Alberson

Next series race: July 17, Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, MO) $15,000