What won the race: Moving around early leader Andy Karl on lap eight, third-starting Mike Mullen of Seymour, Wis., paced the final 18 circuits to win Saturday's $1,500 Spring Thaw season opener at Shawano Speedway. Mullen notched his fifth career Wabam Dirt Kings Tour feature triumph and his first series victory at Shawano — three of his other four wins came at his home track, Outagamie Speedway, while the other came last July at Luxemburg (Wis.) Speedway.

Key notes: Fourth-starting Gunner Frank reclaimed the runner-up spot on lap 10 and trailed Mullen the final 16 laps, finishing a distant 4.648 seconds back. ... The second-starting Karl, of Mosinee, Wis., led the opening 17 laps before giving way to Mullen and Frank, completing the podium finishers. ... Six-time reigning Dirt Kings champion Nick Anvelink improved two positions and finished fourth. ... Justin Ritchie gained two spots and rounded-out the top five. ... Pole-starting Chris Oertel faded to sixth before pulling off and calling it a night on lap three. ... Saturday's season opener was slowed by three cautions and lasted 16 minutes, with 10 drivers running at the finish. ... Shawn Miller and Aaron Wickersheim scratched from the main event lineup.

On the move: Troy Springborn of Shawano, Wis., started 16th and finished sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Mullen’s Ricky Lemmen Racing-owned Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Ricky Lemmen Trucking, Swinkles Trucking & Excavating Corp., Diemel’s Livestock, Bayland Buildings, Shoot’s Bar & Grill, Toby K’s Hideaway, C. Roffers Properties, Wayne Roffers Trucking, DTAK LLC, Millwrights Local 1056, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Five Star Property Maintenance and Speedwerx.

Points chase: After Shawano: 1. Mike Mullen (50); 2. Gunner Frank (48); 3. Andy Karl (46); 4. Nick Anvelink (44); 5. Justin Ritchie (42); 6. Troy Springborn (40).

Current weather: Clear, 63°F

Car count: 18

Polesitter: Chris Oertel

Heat race winners: Nick Anvelink, Gunner Frank

Next series race: April 20, Beaver Dam Raceway (Beaver Dam, WI) $2,000