What won the race: Assuming command after race-long leader Brian Rickman relinquished control on the 19th lap, fourth-starting Tanner Kellick of Mer Rouge, La., led the final 12 circuits to win Friday's $2,500 Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series weekend opener at Hattiesburg Speedway. Kellick beat Brandon Carpenter to the line by 0.691 of a second for his first career MSCCS victory and his first win of any kind in nearly four years.

Key notes: Kellick captured his first touring series win since a Spooky 50 triumph at Super Bee Speedway in Chatham, La., on Oct. 19, 2019, worth $5,000 on the Louisiana Late Model Racing Series. ... This is Kellick's first major Late Model victory away from Super Bee. ... Brandon Carpenter assumed the runner-up spot on the lap-19 restart, but never seriously challenged Kellick in the closing stages. ... Second-starting Brian Rickman led the opening 18 laps before retiring; he was credited with 12th. ... Tommy Surrett and Dean Carpenter were also eliminated on the 19th lap as they battled for sixth. ... Clay Stuckey dropped from second to sixth after the lap-19 mishap, but rebounded to pass Mark Dodson for fifth as they took the white flag. ... Jade Luzenberg worked his way as high as second before a lap-eight incident ended his night. ... Chad Thrash and Cole Cameron were also eliminated in a lap-eight melee. ... The 30-lap feature was slowed by five cautions and lasted 31 minutes, with eight starters completing the distance. ... MSCCS competitors are slated to return on June 27 for another $2,500-to-win event

On the move: Jeremy Broadus of Biloxi, Miss., started 16th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Kellick’s Black Diamond Race Car is powered by a Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by Green Point Ag, Bonne Idee Assembly of God Church, Simplot Grower Solutions, Allegiance Ag and Turf, Sherwood Insurance Agency, Johnny’s Pizza House, Goldman Equipment, J&J Motorsports, Beyea Headers, Sublmtd, Abco Performance and Next Level Designs.

Points chase: Before Hattiesburg: 1. Mike Palasini Jr. (145); 2. Tanner Kellick (140); 3. Brandon Carpenter (135); 4. Rick Rickman (130); 5. Jade Luzenberg (125).

Current weather: Clear, 70°F

Car count: 17

Fast qualifier: Clay Stuckey

Time: 12.809 seconds

Polesitter: Clay Stuckey

Dash winner: Clay Stuckey

Consolation race winners: Tommy Surrett, Brandon Carpenter

Next series race: April 19, Whynot Motorsports Park (Meridian, MS) $3,000