What won the race: Overcoming a series of restarts in the early going, pole-starting Michael Rouse of Wilson, N.C., led all 40 laps to win Saturday's Red Clay Rumble at Halifax County Motor Speedway. Rouse recorded his second career Ultimate Southeast Series victory and his first since April 23, 2022, at County Line Raceway.

Quotable: “We were a little bit off last week, but we come down here and put something on ‘em,” Rouse said. “So, we kinda done our homework, but I really gotta thank (my team) for what (they do).”

Key notes: Rouse, the defending track champ at Halifax County, led all the way mostly without challenged, taking the checkers 5.374 seconds ahead of fourth-starting Gray Parton. ... Parton, the series points leader, took advantage of a lap-four restart to grab the runner-up spot, as sixth-starting Dustin Mitchell followed him to third. ... Christian Thomas improved four positions and finished fifth, the final car to complete the distance. ... The Red Clay Rumble feature was slowed by four separate incidents, all coming in the first three laps. The first two stoppages were for solo-spins by Dykes Maynard, while the third caution was for a multicar incident on the backstretch that ended the nights for Brent Robinson and Dylan Watson. ... The fourth and final yellow flag came on the ensuing restart when Willie Milliken appeared to get pinched and spun by Gavin Cowan as the two battled for the runner-up spot. Milliken was clipped by Daniel Tucker and Carl Vaughn, ending their nights. Luke Morey was also involved and he pulled off a handful of laps later. ... Milliken and team showed their displeasure with Cowan as he was stopped under the resulting red flag for cleanup. ... The feature lasted 27 minutes, with seven cars running at the finish.

On the move: David Yandle of Monroe, N.C., started 13th and finished sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Rouse’s Longhorn Chassis by Wesley Page is powered by a Rouse Racing Engine and carries sponsorship from Scott Farms International, Love Sweet Potatoes, Robert’s Engines & Used Auto Parts, Curtis Insulation, Red Moon Contractors, WP Racing Shocks and Three Aces Speed Shop.

Points chase: After Halifax County: 1. Gray Parton (158); 2. Greg Clark (132); 3. Christian Thomas (122); 4. David Yandle (108); 5. Willie Milliken (100).

Current weather: Clear, 82°F

Car count: 15

Fast qualifier: Michael Rouse

Time: 15.167 seconds

Polesitter: Michael Rouse

Next series race: June 21, Lancaster Motor Speedway (Lancaster, SC) $12,000