What won the race: Richie Stephens of Phenix City, Ala., scored an unstoppable flag-to-flag victory in Saturday's inaugural Southern Heritage Classic, topping the Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet Crate Racin' USA season opener at Needmore Speedway. Stephens controlled all 50 laps to earn $10,000 and secure his second win in as many weeks after topping March 23's opener at East Alabama Motor Speedway.

Quotable: “I’ve never been able to complete one of these races. I’ve always been leading or something happened, or be really good and just wasn’t able to do it,” Stephens said. “Everything had to line up. I can’t thank my crew (enough), how many hours they work, and my family at home watching. Cody Overton and Kyle Bridges, they all stepped up and tried to help me with this new car. It’s our second time in it .. two wins, I tell ya, we got us a good hot rod here."

Key notes: Fifth-starting Jimmy Thomas grabbed the runner-up spot on lap nine and trailed Stephens for the final 42 circuits, finishing 2.842 seconds back. ... Eleventh-starting Caleb Gay used a fifth-to-third move on the lap-15 restart and rounded out the podium finishers. ... Reigning series champion Mark Whitener improved three positions and completed the top five. ... Clay Harris also gained three spots, finishing sixth. ... Midwest DIRTcar Crate standout Jose Parga started 17th and finished ninth. ... Jeremy Steele slowed from eighth to draw the race's third and final caution on lap 25 before calling it a night. ... Saturday's feature lasted 30 minutes, with 19 drivers completing the distance and 21 running at the finish. ... Matt Henderson scratched from the A-main.

On the move: Hunter Peacock of Macon, Ga., started 14th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Stephens drove an Excel Chassis powered by an Earl Ramey Racing Engine and sponsored by Sanders Logging, Keller Williams Realty - Ashley Stephens, Realtor, Franklin Enterprises, Buffalo Bar & Grill, Sin City Bail Bonds, Innovative Automotive, Wimmer’s Wrecker Service, Cartek Professional and Allstar Graphix.

Points chase: After Needmore: 1. Richie Stephens (100); 2. Jimmy Thomas (96); 3. Caleb Gay (94); 4. Hunter Peacock (92); 5. Mark Whitener (90).

Current weather: Clear, 73°F

Car count: 41

Fast qualifier: Richie Stephens

Time: 16.183 seconds

Polesitter: Richie Stephens

Heat race winners: Hayden Cardwell, Kyle Bridges, Richie Stephens, Kyle Bronson

Consolation race winners: Jose Parga, Colton Trouille

Provisional starters: Kyle Courtney, Matt Henderson, Josh Ray, Matt Dooley, Braden Mitchell, Bubba Roling

Next series race: April 13, Cochran Motor Speedway (Cochran, GA) $10,000