Willie Milliken's supporters filled victory lane at Fayetteville.
What won the race: Taking the lead from polesitter Donald Bradsher on a lap-16 restart, third-starting Willie Milliken of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., raced to a $7,500 victory at Fayetteville Motor Speedway for his first career Carolina Clash triumph in the Big Boss Man 50. Milliken took the checkers 3.007 seconds ahead of Johnny Pursley of Clover, S.C.
Quotable: "I kept noticing (Bradsher) getting a little bit higher and higher in (turn) one like it was giving up in the center, and I was getting through the center much better than him," Milliken said. "I knew it was a matter of time. Donald’s a good racer, and he wasn’t going to give it to me, but we’d have raced hard and clean. I think I could’ve gotten him eventually. I’m sorry his car gave up, but I think we had a pretty good car tonight."
Key notes: Milliken continued his big-race success at Fayetteville in 2016; a week earlier he picked up a $4,848 for an I-95 Challenge Series victory. ... Runner-up Johnny Pursley fought off a late challenge from Chris Ferguson. ... After leading early, Donald Bradsher of Burlington, N.C., slipped back to finish fourth. ... Eleven of the 22 starters finished on the lead lap. ... Clash competitors return to Fayetteville on Aug. 13 for a $4,000-to-win event.
On the move: Johnny Pursley of Clover, S.C., advanced from eighth to finish second.
Winner's sponsors: Milliken's Mason and Lauren Price-owned Longhorn Chassis has a Clements Racing Engine and sponsorship from M.J Price Construction, Quality Pools, East Coast Towing, and Williams Motorsports.
Points chase: Entering the weekend, Johnny Pursley of Clover, S.C., had 464 points to lead Ross Bailes (457) and Dennis Franklin (431).
Car count: 23
Fast qualifier: Donald Bradsher
Time: 16.882 seconds
Polesitter: Donald Bradsher
Heat race winners: Dustin Mitchell, Kerry King Sr., , , , ,
Next series race: June 11, Volunteer Speedway (Bulls Gap, TN) $4,000