What won the race: Turning back late challenges from a pair of national touring drivers, Dylan Thornton of Orcutt, Calif., led all 30 laps Friday in opening the Malvern Bank Series debut doubleheader at Deer Creek Speedway. Thornton earned $3,000 in taking the checkers 0.779 ahead of Jake Timm with Dustin Sorensen in third.

Quotable: "I mean, after last night's start-on-the-front-row-and-backing-up, we went to work today," Thornton said. "Tyson (Gheer), he busts his butt on this thing, and, big shoutout to Vinny (Guliani). We talked to him and made a gameplan between the three of us and looks like it kind of worked out."

Key notes: Dylan Thornton was seven victories between the Malvern Bank East and West circuits. ... The second- and third-place finishers who turned the heat up on Thornton in the final laps are regulars on the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series. ... Two cautions slowed Deer Creek action, the first on the ninth lap for a slowing C.J. Horn (at the same time, Darrel DeFrance got high-centered on the inside berm after retiring to the infield). ... Chad Simpson slowed with nosepiece damage on the 10th lap (he pitted for repairs but retired a few laps later). ... Jason Hahne was the first retiree. ... Joe Chisholm was making just his third series start and finished 10th. ... Most of the same drivers return Saturday for a top prize of $7,000. ... Thursday's Cresco Speedway winner Tyler Bruening is expected to join the action.

On the move: Jordan Yaggy of Rochester, Minn., started 13th and finished ninth.

Winner's sponsors: Thornton’s Ricky and Brenda Kay-owned Longhorn Chassis is powered by a HalaBuilt Competition Engine and carries sponsorship from Petersen Insurance, Salty’s BBQ and Catering, Kay Farms Elevator Trucking, Hoker Trucking, Pit Crew BBQ, Malvern Bank, Drake Excavating & Aggregates, Tyler Matzen Trucking, Vander Heiden Hauling & Farming, Wheatland Auto Body, Bilstein Shocks, Hyperco, Wyffels Hybrids, Performance Bodies, Dynamic Drivelines and Capital Race Decals.

Points chase: East Series before Deer Creek Friday: 1. Dylan Thornton (2,526); 2. Chad Simpson (2,484); 3. Dallon Murty (2,466); 4. Jesse Sobbing (2,462); 5. Jason Hahne (2,308). West Series before Deer Creek Friday: 1. Jesse Sobbing (2,518); 2. Tad Pospisil (2,416); 3. Bill Leighton Jr. (2,348); 4. Corey Zeitner (2,336); 5. J.C. Wyman (2,288).

Current weather: Overcast Mist, 64°F

Car count: 35

Fast qualifier: Blair Nothdurft

Time: 14.469 seconds

Polesitter: Dylan Thornton

Heat race winners: Dallon Murty, Dustin Sorensen, Brian Kosiski, Chad Simpson

Consolation race winners: Kyle Berck, Jesse Sobbing

Provisional starters: J.C. Wyman, C.J. Horn, Charlie McKenna, Dave Eckrich, Curt Schroeder, Darrel DeFrance

Next series race: August 30, Deer Creek Speedway (Spring Valley, MN) $7,000