What won the race: Tying the Northern LateModel Racing Association's single-season mark for victories, hometown driver Dustin Strand led the final 16 laps Thursday at River Cities Speedway for $1,500 and his eighth victory in the tour's season finale. Despite the seventh-starting Strand's triumph, he fell short of overtaking sixth-place finisher Brad Seng of Grand Forks, N.D., for the series title.

Key notes: The event opened the non-tour John Seitz Memorial weekend at River Cities, a $9,200-to-win event. ... Strand tied the late Seitz's all-time record with his seventh NLRA victory ... Strand won five of the last seven series events. ... Strand won the WISSOTA Late Model championship at River Cities this season. ... River Cities hosted the tour four times in 2016, with Strand winning the last three events. ... Third-place finisher David McDonald made his River Cities debut. ... Reigning John Seitz Memorial winner Chad Mahder was fourth at Thursday's finish. ... Don Shaw, who swept a pair of NLRA events at Viking Speedway over Labor Day weekend, completed the top five.

On the move: Bill Mooney of Selkirk, Manitoba, started 12th and finished second, earning the hard-charger award.

Winner's sponsors: Strand's Longhorn Chassis is sponsored by Q&Z Plumbing and Heating, Schill Construction, RealTruck.com, Forks Mobile Wash, Generation Spa & Salon, McCaughen's Everflow Eavestroughing, Fastlane Racing Equipment and Anderson Brothers Body Shop.

Points chase: Brad Seng of Grand Forks, N.D., held on to top Strand by eight points for his third series championship.

Car count: 37

Polesitter: David McDonald

Heat race winners: Nick Anvelink, David McDonald, Brad Seng, Steve Laursen,  ,  ,  ,  

Consolation race winners: Lance Matthees,  ,  ,