Dennis Franklin celebrates after his last-lap victory at Fayetteville.
What won the race: Dennis Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., overtook polesitter and race-long leader Willie Milliken on the final lap at Fayetteville Motor Speedway's 40-lapper for a $5,000 Carolina Clash victory in the Ed Gibbons Memorial.
Quotable: "Willie was awesome. ... when I seen five (laps) to go, I knew it was time to put the dice down there," Franklin said. " I didn't know if I could pass him. He bobbled just a little bit and that's all it took."
Key notes: Franklin ended the two-race win streak of Ross Bailes, who finished 15th after getting caught up in a lap-14 accident. ... Franklin's 41 victories top the all-time Carolina Clash list. ... He's still considering chasing the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series Rookie of the Year title. ... Runner-up Willie Milliken, a long-time Limited Late Model racer, was chasing his first career Carolina Clash victory. ... The ninth annual Ed Gibbons Memorial honored the 2001 Carolina Clash champion who died in a 2009 highway accident. ... The race marked the 62nd time the Carolina Clash have visited Fayetteville.
On the move: Franklin started fifth and came home with the victory.
Winner's sponsors: Franklin's Longhorn Race Car is sponsored by M&W Transport, C&D Properties, Nichols Plumbing and Hoosier Racing Tire.
Points chase: Dean Bowen moved into the series points lead (292) over Ross Bailes (272) and Johnny Pursley (270).
Car count: 29
Fast qualifier: Willie Milliken
Time: 16.823 seconds
Polesitter: Willie Milliken
Heat race winners:
Consolation race winners: Johnny Pursley, Ross Bailes, ,
Next series race: May 7, Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC) $4,000