What won the race: Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., held off the late-race challenges of Tony Jackson Jr. to capture Saturday night's 40-lap MARS Late Model Championship Series feature at Highland Speedway. Babb beat Jackson to the checkers by 0.527 of a second for the $5,000 payday, his first MARS victory since last Aug. 31 at Fairbury (Ill.) Speedway, also worth $5,000.

Quotable: "We’ve been working hard and this spring has been a test for our patience," Babb said. "We’ve got a fast car but just couldn’t get anything to go right. We’re just honing our skills right now so hopefully later in the summer we can visit the big boys … but, you know, there’s big boys at all these places — I seen Tony Jackson right there and he was gonna pass me at any minute.”

Key notes: Babb started from the pole position but was outgunned for the lead at the initial green flag by second-starter Mike Harrison. He overtook Harrison for the top spot on lap eight and never was headed, though the fifth-starting Jackson dogged him for the final 15 circuits. ... A MARS regular in 2025, Babb recorded his 11th career win on the tour. ... Ryan Unzicker reached third on lap 27 and stayed there to the checkered flag. ... Jackson's second-place finish moved him atop the MARS standings by two points over Friday's Quincy winner Jason Feger, who placed ninth. ... The main event lasted 28 minutes, with 18 starters completing 40 laps.

On the move: Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., started 18th and finished ninth.

Winner's sponsors: Babb’s Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Petroff Towing, Dynagro Seed, CJI Piping & Fabrication, Donley Trucking, Getty Landscaping, Douglas Dodge Ram, Kuebler Ultra Oil, VP Racing Fuels and Penske Racing Shocks.

Points chase: After Highland: 1. Tony Jackson Jr. (399); 2. Jason Feger (397); 3. Ryan Unzicker (386); 4. Bobby Pierce (370); 5. Shannon Babb (365).

Current weather: Clear, 70°F

Car count: 36

Fast qualifier: Shannon Babb

Time: 12.429 seconds

Polesitter: Shannon Babb

Heat race winners: Shannon Babb, Rodney Melvin, McKay Wenger, Mike Harrison

Consolation race winners: Justin Duty, Jason Feger

Provisional starters: Brennon Willard, Steve Stultz

Next series race: May 23, Tri-City Speedway (Granite City, IL) $5,000