Justin Asplin and his crew celebrate his first MARS victory.
What won the race: Polesitter Justin Asplin of Birch Tree, Mo., broke through for his first MARS DIRTcar Series, earning $4,000 in the 46th annual Four State Dirt Track Championship. MARS points leader Tony Jackson Jr. fell out of the lead with a flat tire and Asplin led the late stages.
Key notes: The MARS circuit has seen five first-time winners this season. ... Besides Jackson, early leader Chase Junghans also had a flat tire. ... Fourth-place finisher Payton Looney piloted a Club 29 Race Car his car owner Jeremy Atnip bought when long-time MARS regular Brandon McCormick recently sold out his racing operation; Looney's team is using McCormick's toterhome and also now has a Rocket Chassis and McCormick's potent Cornett and Hatfield powerplants. ... Along with four more MARS events in September, the series has added the $6,600-to-win Showdown on Route 66 set for Oct. 6 at Springfield (Mo.) Raceway.
Winner's sponsors: Asplin's Barry Wright Race Car is sponsored by B&A Pallet Division, B&A Lumber, Keyser Mfg., VP Racing Heartland, Viper Industrial Products, X-treme Graphics and Midwest Sheet Metal.
Points chase: Entering Sunday's event, Jackson topped the standings with 1,335 points over Asplin (1,149) and Payton Looney (1,114).
Car count: 30
Polesitter: Justin Asplin
Heat race winners: Will Vaught, Tony Jackson Jr., Chase Junghans, Justin Asplin, , , ,
Consolation race winners: Jeff Roth, , ,
Next series race: September 17, Springfield Raceway (Springfield, MO) $2,500