What won the race: Going around Ryan Markham with three laps remaining, 60-year-old R.J. Conley of Wheelersburg, Ohio, earned $5,000 Saturday at Muskingum County Speedway for his first career Valvoline American Late Model Iron-Man Series victory. The third-starting Conley won the 36-lapper by 0.932 of a second over Markham, who led the first 18 laps and then lap 31-33 after Kyle Moore slipped over the banking and retired from the inaugural Ronnie Moran Memorial.

Quotable: "I know they went softer on tire. I put the harder tire on," Conley said. "And I think the harder tire was starting to work a little better at the end, but the track was great. The Morans (operate a) great facility. I just got a little lucky cause I know Kyle (Moore), he was checked out. Ryan (Markham) did a great job, but I think he pushed a little bit up here, but we'll take it. We're glad to win."

Key notes: R.J. Conley won his first race since Oct. 26 at Atomic Speedway near Chillicothe, Ohio, and his richest victory since 2023. ... Runner-up Ryan Markham was gunning for his first career Muskingum County victory. ... Third-finishing Tyler Carpenter struggled with ignition problems but gained 16 positions. ... Four cautions slowed the action, the most significant for leader Kyle Moore's departure on the 31st lap. ... Larry Holbrook brought out a lap-10 yellow. ... Eddie Carrier Jr. drew a lap-11 yellow. ... Ron Hall was tagged with a lap-15 yellow. ... Logan Zarin spun exiting turn two on the final lap, but no caution appeared. ... The inaugural Ronnie Moran Memorial honored the patriarch and former owner of one of Ohio’s most successful dirt tracks who died last December. The race paid $536-to-start, with the No. 36 representing the drilling rig model Moran used for business.

On the move: Tyler Carpenter of Parkersburg, W.Va., started 19th and finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Conley's Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Draime Racing Engine and sponsored by Conley Trucking, Conley River Terminal, Roofing One, Poske’s Performance Parts, Shain Custom Decals, Impact Race Gear, Burgess Motorsports Consulting, FOX Shocks, Integra Racing Shocks, Bazell Race Fuels, Beyea Headers, Sunoco Race Fuels, Delph Communications, Stakt Products, AfterBurner Performance, Jones Racing Products, Hoosier Racing Tires and ML Performance.

Points chase: After Muskingum County (non-points event): 1. Colten Burdette (278); 2. Rusty Schlenk (275); 3. Rod Conley (195); T4. Seth Daniels (192); T4. Dusty Moore (192); 6. Jeff Babcock (179).

Current weather: Clear, 54°F

Car count: 30

Fast qualifier: Ryan Markham

Time: 16.026 seconds

Polesitter: Ryan Markham

Heat race winners: Ryan Markham, Kyle Moore, R.J. Conley

Consolation race winners: Tyler Carpenter

Provisional starters: Billy Dawson, Ron Hall

Next series race: June 13, Moler Raceway Park (Williamsburg, OH) $5,000