What won the race: Regaining the lead with an inside move out of turn four, Chris Simpson of Oxford, Iowa, led the final 10 laps at Lake Ozark Speedway, winning Friday's $5,000 Battle at the Beach weekend opener. Simpson led twice for a total of 12 laps, earning his first victory of the season and his first Lucas Oil Midwest LateModel Racing Association triumph since 2021 and 16th of his career.

Quotable: “Yeah I was good down on the bottom, but they kept kinda pushing the tires out during the caution and one time they would, one time they wouldn’t,” Simpson said. “Yeah I just kinda had to get up top in (turns) three and four and let it eat. (His spotter) moved me down at the end, but I didn’t want to leave that top, I was getting a hell of a run off there.”

Key notes: Chad Simpson finished second to his younger brother, 0.955 of a second back. It's the second 1-2 finish for the Simpson brothers this season after Chad topped Chris on April 13 at Davenport Speedway. ... Tyler Stevens advanced nine positions and finished third. ... Daniel Hilsabeck gained seven spots and finished fourth. ... World of Outlaws Series regular Logan Martin moved forward nine positions and finished fifth. ... Sixteenth-starting Justin Duty overcame a spin on lap 23 and finished sixth. ... Garrett Alberson retired on lap 28 while running fifth. ... Polesitter Tony Jackson Jr. led laps three through 20 before being overtaken by Simpson; Jackson jumped the turn-two cushion and made contact with the wall on lap 25, finishing 16th. ... Mason Oberkramer was unable to continue after slowing from third on a lap-22 restart attempt. ... Friday's feature, the third annual Battle at the Beach weekend opener, was slowed by six incidents and lasted 37 minutes; 13 competitors completed 30 laps.

On the move: Cole Wells of Aurora, Mo., started 19th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Simpson’s Longhorn Chassis is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by C&J Trucking, Five Star Shop Service, Randy Davidson Trucking, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Hoker Trucking LLC, HD Equipment, Superior Cleaning Services LTD, Capital Capsigns.com, Allgaier Performance, Simpson Farms, IITI, Lucas Oil, Hoosier Racing Tire and Midwest Sheet Metal.

Points chase: After Lake Ozark Friday: 1. Chad Simpson (1,090); 2. Chris Simpson (935); 3. Garrett Alberson (890); 4. Tyler Stevens (860); T5. Dillon McCowan (850); T5. Jeff Herzog (850).

Current weather: Clear, 63°F

Car count: 34

Fast qualifier: Tony Jackson Jr.

Time: 13.798 seconds

Polesitter: Tony Jackson Jr.

Heat race winners: Tony Jackson Jr., Chris Simpson, Chad Simpson, Garrett Alberson

Consolation race winners: Trevor Gundaker, Cole Henson

Provisional starters: Steve Stultz, Dustin Hodges, Brennon Willard, Kayden Clatt

Next series race: April 29, Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, MO) $7,000