What won the race: Ninth-starting Dave Hess Jr. of Waterford, Pa., stole the lead from race-long pacesetter Mason Zeigler on the final lap and nipped him at the line by 0.205 of a second to win Thursday's $6,000 Stars and Stripes Showdown opener at The Dirt Track at Genesee. Hess earned his 14th career Jay's Automotive United Late Model Series victory and his first since last Sept. 13's $7,500 Ted Siri Memorial at Outlaw Speedway in Dundee, N.Y.

Key notes: Hess's 14th career ULMS win gives him sole possession of fourth on the tour's all-time win list, passing David Scott of Garland, Pa. ... Hess's last Super Late Model victory was a sweep of last fall's September Sweep at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa., worth more than $10,000. ... It's his third overall victory this season and his first away from Eriez. ... Mason Zeigler controlled the opening 29 laps until Hess passed him coming to the checkers. ... Series rookie Brock Pinkerous held the runner-up spot from laps 12-27 before Hess passed him, relegating the teenager to third. ... Reigning series champ Michael Lake advanced three spots for a fourth-place effort. ... Pole-starting Logan Zarin faded to fifth. ... The 30-lapper was slowed by four incidents, with three coming in the opening two laps and lasted 24 minutes; 14 starters completed the distance. ... The final yellow came on lap 12 for an apparent issue that ended Danny Snyder's night. ... Tenth-starting Dylan Cecce was the race's first retiree amidst the early rash of cautions. ... The two-day Stars and Stripes Showdown concludes with Friday's $10,004-to-win finale at Genesee.

On the move: Jason Dobson of Ceres, N.Y., started 18th and finished eighth.

Winner's sponsors: Hess drives a Longhorn Chassis sponsored by Plyler Entry Systems, Bunker Dispensary, McKean Tavern, Johnson’s Car Care & Collision, Everhart Asphalt, Sanger Investments LLC, Amsoil, Martin Dynamics, Illusion Coats, Dwyer Racing, EA Equipment, Genesis Racing Shocks, Ander50n Motorsports Stables, Close Racing Supply and Spencer Motorsports.

Points chase: Before Genesee: 1. Mason Zeigler (455); 2. Brock Pinkerous (430); 3. Ryan Montgomery (425); T4. Michael Lake (420); T4. Eddie Carrier Jr. (420); 6. Logan Zarin (390).

Current weather: Few Clouds, 72°F

Car count: 18

Fast qualifier: Logan Zarin

Time: 16.658 seconds

Polesitter: Logan Zarin

Heat race winners: Logan Zarin, Mason Zeigler, Jon Lee

Next series race: July 4, The Dirt Track at Genesee (Batavia, NY) $10,004