What won the race: Taking command on the opening lap, polesitter Jake Timm of Winona, Minn., cruised to the $5,000 Wabam Dirt Kings Tour victory in Friday’s Stars and Stripes 40 at Mississippi Thunder Speedway. He recorded his third career tour victory in finishing 2.98 seconds ahead of Justin Ritchie.

Quotable: "I mean, it always helps to turn start up front here, starting on the pole," Timm said. "I've got a lot of laps on this place, so it's easier for me to kind of tell the transition of the racetrack sometimes, I think. Starting in the front is always nice and always helps."

Key notes: Todd Frank of Montrose, Iowa, who was running in second, tagged the backstretch wall on the opening lap and retired. ... Fourth-starting Chad Mahder of Bloomer, Wis., pulled off on lap 16.

On the move: Runner-up Justin Ritchie of New London, Wis., started 10th.

Winner's sponsors: Timm’s Longhorn Chassis carries sponsorship from Gorilla Mill, HURCO, Riverland Trucking, Stone Machinery, J&S Cattle, Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Horman’s HVAC, Oakridge Fabrication, RiverCity Mfg., Base Fuels, R&R Machining and OFI Performance.

Points chase: After MTS: 1. Nick Anvelink (172) 2. Justin Ritchie (168); 3. Troy Springborn (164); 4. Brett Swedberg (162); 5. Lukas Postl (138).

Current weather: Clear, 55°F

Car count: 24

Polesitter: Jake Timm

Heat race winners: Jake Timm, Jimmy Mars, Todd Frank, Chad Mahder

Next series race: June 10, SK Speedway (Unity, WI) $2,500