What won the race: Leading all 40 laps, Mike Pegher Jr. of Wexford, Pa., earned $2,000 in the first of two weekend Winter Shootout events at Cochran Motor Speedway. Pegher finished nearly a full second ahead of 10th-starting Kyle Bronson of Brandon, Fla., who moved into second after 12 laps but settled for the runner-up spot.

Key notes: A dozen drivers finished on the lead lap. ... The 40-lapper was the first of four March events wrapping up NeSmith's RockAuto.com Winter Shootout. ... The weekend concludes Saturday with another complete program with a 60-lapper paying $5,000-to-win.

On the move: Kyle Bronson started 10th and finished second; fellow Floridian Mark Whitener started 13th and finished fifth.

Winner's sponsors: Pegher's Jerry Haseleu-owned Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Ingram Racing Engines, Royal Flush, Jack's Recycling and Schaeffer's Racing Oil.

Points chase: Heading to Cochran, Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., led NeSmith's Winter Shootout points; he didn't enter Friday's action.

Car count: 37

Fast qualifier: Mike Pegher Jr.

Time: 15.083 seconds

Consolation race winners: Riley Hickman, Jody Knowles, Mark Whitener,  ,  

Next series race: March 11, Cochran Motor Speedway (Cochran, GA) $5,000