What won the race: Ending a four-year MARS DIRTcar Series drought, Raymond Merrill of Salisaw, Okla, started from the pole and picked up the $2,000 winner's check in the MARS West event at Midway Speedway. Merrill outran series points leader Tony Jackson Jr., who started third and Chris Jackson, who started seventh.

Key notes: The victory was Merrill's first MARS victory of the season, and his fourth career victory with the series. ... Merrill's last MARS win was April 27, 2013 at Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, Okla. … All three of Merrill’s previous MARS victories came in his native Oklahoma. ... After starting on the front row, Jon Sheets was the first to retire and finished 17th. ... There have now been 12 different winners in 16 series races this season. ... Series action continues Saturday night at Caney Valley Speedway for the second night of a MARS weekend doubleheader.

On the move: Seventh-starting Chris Jackson improved four spots to finish third.

Winner's sponsors: Merrill’s MB Customs entry is powered by a Cornett engine and sponsored by Odell Trucking, Merrill Self-Storage, Burger Fusion and Levi Storage Center.

Points chase: With his runner-up finish, Tony Jackson Jr. of Lebanon, Mo., extended his series points lead. Entering the weekend, Jackson Jr. (893 points) led Mason Oberkramer (749), Joe Godsey (727), Jeff Roth (705) and Payton Looney (610).

Car count: 17

Fast qualifier: Raymond Merrill

Time: 14.674 seconds

Polesitter: Raymond Merrill

Heat race winners: Raymond Merrill, Jon Sheets, Tony Jackson Jr.,  ,  ,  ,  ,  

Next series race: August 11, Kankakee County Speedway (Kankakee, IL) $3,000