What won the race: Michael Rouse of Wilson, N.C., was flawless in rolling to a flag-to-flag victory in Saturday night's 40-lap Ultimate Southeast Super Late Model Series-sanctioned Tar River Rumble at County Line Raceway. The 31-year-old driver beat Daulton Wilson of Fayetteville, N.C., to the finish line by 1.863 seconds for a $5,000 top prize that marked not only his initial Ultimate triumph but also his first-ever in Super Late Model competition.

Quotable: "I really gotta thank WP (Racing Shocks) for this race car he built me, shocks he built me," Rouse said. "Mr. Matthew Barnes, we discussed the tire (choice), I think we went the right direction. Mr. Sonny Scott and his family … this is really a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to really win a Super race and they give me a great opportunity to do it."

Key notes: A winner previously in Limited Late Model action, Rouse used his hometrack knowledge of County Line to his advantage in repelling repeated challenges from Wilson, who fell inches short of leading laps on several occasions. ... Derrick Ramey briefly held second place on laps 8-9 but ran in third place for the race's other 38 circuits. ... Zack Mitchell had his two-race Ultimate Southeast win streak end, but he recovered from his involvement in a 10-minute red-flag incident on lap seven to finish fifth. ... Polesitter Daniel Tucker, who ran second for laps 1-7, cut down his right-front tire after contact with Christian Thomas. ... The race was slowed nine times and lasted 46 minutes. ... The first Ultimate Southeast stop at County Line since 2019 was the tour's only scheduled visit to the track this season.

On the move: Corey Gordon of Charlotte, N.C., started 17th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Rouse's Longhorn Race Car carries sponsorship from WP Racing Shocks, Scott Farms, Robert's Engines Inc., Love Sweet Potatoes and Red Moon Contractors.

Points chase: Before County Line: 1. Zack Mitchell (101); 2. Anthony Sanders (97); 3. Brian Ledbetter (82); 4. Corey Gordon (82); 5. Doug Sanders (73).

Current weather: Clear, 64°F

Car count: 29

Fast qualifier: Daniel Tucker

Time: 14.256 seconds

Heat race winners: Matthew Bissette, Doug Sanders

Provisional starters: Brandon O'Neil, Dale Arnold

Next series race: May 6, Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) $4,014