Bobby Pierce celebrates his victory in the Russ Wallace Memorial.
What won the race: Leading all 40 laps from the pole, Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., picked up a MARS West victory worth $5,000 at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill., Friday night. Pierce topped Billy Moyer and Brian Shirley.
Quotable: "This is one of my favorite tracks. I always say that when I come here," said Pierce. "When this track is right, there's nothing that I can really compare (it to) with how racy it can be. I was at the top of (turns) one and two, the bottom of (turns) three and four. You can kinda maneuver around a lot on this race track. I just love coming here."
Key notes: The MARS West tour kicked off its weekend doubleheader on Friday at Tri-City Speedway. ... Pierce has won 10 of his last 14 starts at Tri-City; he recorded his seventh career MARS victory. ... Billy Moyer took second from Jason Feger on lap 19. ... Feger pulled to the infield giving up the third spot with less than 10 laps remaining. ... Making his first start in the Barry Wright Race Cars house car, series points leader Tony Jackson Jr. of Lebanon, Mo., came home in sixth. ... MARS West competitors will travel to Federated Raceway at I-55 on Saturday for another $5,000-to-win event.
On the move: Logan Martin started 15th and finished eighth.
Winner's sponsors: The winning Bob Pierce Race Car is powered by a Pro Power Racing Engine and sponsored by Allgayer Inc., Champion, Hoker Trucking, AR Bodies, Carnaghi Towing & Repair and Premier Waste Services.
Points chase: Entering the weekend, Tony Jackson Jr. of Lebanon, Mo., topped the series points standings.
Car count: 27
Fast qualifier: Jonathan Davenport
Time: 14.745 seconds
Polesitter: Bobby Pierce
Heat race winners: Jonathan Davenport, Brian Shirley, Bobby Pierce, , , , ,