Key notes: Rogers-Dabbs Crate Racin’ USA Series competitors invade Needmore Speedway for the 13th annual Early Bird 50. … Racing action began when Corey Neil Jr. of Bridge City, Texas, Bubba Roling of Clay Hill, Fla., and Joseph Brown of Pine Mountain Valley, Ga., each topped Friday's 10-lap heat races. Brown will lead the field to green for Saturday's 50-lap, $10,000-to-win feature. … Points leader Jimmy Thomas of Phenix City, Ala., narrowly beat Hunter Peacock to win 2022’s Early Bird, his second event victory after leading the final 39 laps to win the previous year, clinching the 2021 CRUSA title. … Cody Overton of Evans, Ga., led the final 28 laps to win last year’s $10,000 top prize. … Reigning series champ Mark Whitener of Middleburg, Fla., has three Needmore victories since last May, including back-to-back Gene Maine Memorial triumphs, worth more than $13,000. … Jesse Sobbing of Malvern, Iowa, is making his return to the seat since July 13 after undergoing triple fusion back surgery. … 602 Crate Sportsman ($2,500-to-win), street stocks, super streets, enduro factory stocks and crown vics are on the undercard. … Watch live on Crate Racin USA TV or Hunt the Front TV.

Who to watch: Mark Whitener of Middleburg, Fla., chases his third overall victory of the season at Needmore.

Points chase: Before Needmore: 1. Jimmy Thomas (1,256); 2. Matt Dooley (1,190); 3. Matt Henderson (1,174); 4. Bubba Roling (1,160); 5. Mario Gresham (1,144).

Current weather: Clear, 50°F

Car count: 32

Fast qualifier: Joseph Brown

Time: 15.642 seconds

Polesitter: Joseph Brown

Heat race winners: Corey Neil Jr., Bubba Roling, Joseph Brown

Consolation race winners: Josh Ray

Provisional starters: Mario Gresham, Jared Delk

Next series race: November 29, Swainsboro Raceway (Swainsboro, GA) $10,000