What won the race: After rolling a tire off the rim in time trials, Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., rallied from his 23rd starting position to take the lead on lap 35 of 50. Johnson went on for a $3,000 victory on the Chevrolet Performance Super Late Model Series, winning by 3.101 seconds over Mario Gresham of Rome, Ga.

Quotable: “I thought I had no chance to win this race from the 23rd starting spot, so I thought I would just ride around easy, stay out of trouble, and see if I could salvage close to a top-10 finish,” Johnson said. “At about the halfway point of the race, we had a caution and I looked at the scoreboard at the top five cars. I then realized I was racing with those guys, and if I stepped it up a notch, I just might have a chance to win this thing!”

Key notes: Johnson earned his fourth career Chevy Series victory, matching William Thomas atop the 3-year-old tour's win list. ... Gresham, a rookie who led the first four laps, finished second. ... Other leaders: Brandon Williams (5-10) and Adam Martin (11-34). ... The Chevy tour's opener was slowed by eight cautions. ... A six-car accident on the second lap included Tim Busha, Matt Dooley and Ross Martin. ... Jake Knowles slowed with a flat on lap 28 and went pitside.

On the move: Johnson advanced 22 positions.

Winner's sponsors: Johnson's MasterSbilt Race Car is sponsored by Appleton Power Rack & Pinions, FG Lumber, Hoosier Tire, NeSmith Chevrolet, Smith Competition Fire Systems and VP Racing Fuels.

Points chase: Johnson was the tour's 2014 champion and takes an early in the new season.

Car count: 25

Fast qualifier: Forrest Trent

Time: 13.881 seconds

Polesitter: Forrest Trent

Next series race: April 24, Magnolia Motor Speedway (Columbus, MS) $2,000