What won the race: Surviving a rugged racing surface, Tyler Erb of New Waverly, Texas, led every circuit Saturday for a $2,500 victory in the 40-lap Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series opener at Jackson Motor Speedway.

Quotable: "It was a new car and it would go anywhere I needed to put it," Erb said, "and my Clements Racing Engine was on the money."

Key notes: Erb, a regular on the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series, notched his first stateside victory since last June at Haubstadt, Ind., in UMP DIRTcar Summernationals competition. He scored three wins in off-season action in Australia. ... Erb has four career MSCCS victories, including one last season at Magnolia Motor Speedway in Columbus, Miss. ... Hunter Rasdon of Jonesboro, Ark., contended before mechanical woes forced him out, leaving him with a ninth-place finish. ... A pileup including at least a half-dozen cars halted the race early. Shelby Sheedy was among drivers eliminated in the mess. ... Heavy Friday rains resulted in tough track conditions on Saturday with standing water in the infield.

Winner's sponsors: Erb’s Rocket Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by First Class Septic, New Point Lighting and Design, Day Motorsports, Champion, JD's Body Works and Keyser Mfg.

Points chase: The 2018 points chase got under way on Saturday.

Car count: 21

Fast qualifier: Tyler Erb

Time: 14.970 seconds

Polesitter: Tyler Erb

Next series race: March 23, Columbus Speedway (Columbus, MS) $2,000