What won the race: Hometown driver Mike Balcaen expanded his Northern LateModel Racing Association points lead with a flag-to-flag victory Thursday at Red River Co-op Speedway. With his first series victory of 2015, Balcaen took the checkers ahead of Ricky Weiss of nearby Headingley, winner of his previous five visits to the track.

Key notes: Mike Balcaen's 22 career victories are third on the all-time list. ... Balcaen's previous NLRA victory came June 20, 2014, at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. ... With five NLRA races remaining, Balcaen will be looking for his first multiple-victory season on the series since 2008. .... Cole Schill ran second for half the 25-lapper but slipped back to finish fourth. ... Steffen Snare and Leo Freeleus scratched from the main event.

On the move: Jeff Hapala of West Fargo, N.D., ran 12th early and ended up seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Balcaen's Black Diamond Chassis is sponsored by Northstar, Sylmak, Snap-on and Interstate Batteries.

Points chase: Mike Balcaen leaves Winnipeg with 1,356 points to lead Dustin Strand (1,342) and Brad Seng (1,320).

Car count: 21

Heat race winners: Mike Balcaen, Dustin Strand, Cole Schill,  ,  ,  ,  ,  

Next series race: August 18, Red River Valley Speedway (West Fargo, ND) $1,200