What won the race: The fourth of four leaders, sixth-starting A.J. Diemel of Elk Mound, Wis., won Saturday’s DiscountShopTowels.com Dirt Kings Tour season opener at Shawano Speedway, beating 11th-starting Nick Anvelink to the checkers for a $1,500 victory. It’s was Diemel’s first-ever victory on the second-year tour.

Key notes: Polesitter Ron Berna's engine expired at the outset. ... Troy Springborn led early with Justin Schmidt taking over on the third lap. ... Brett Swedberg took over on lap 12 with eventual winner A.J. Diemel following himn past. ... Swedberg got over the turn-two cushion and it the wall on lap 18, handing the lead to Diemel.

On the move: Runner-up Nick Anvelink of Navarino, Wis., improved nine spots after starting 11th.

Winner's sponsors: Diemel's MB Customs Race Car is sponsored by Beltline Body Shop, Southworth Chevrolet, Badger Storage and Excavating, T.L. Sinz Plumbing, Deppe Enterprises, Joe Provo Race Wear and Bobcat.

Points chase: Diemel grabbed the early points lead.

Car count: 29

Polesitter: Ron Berna

Heat race winners: Tom Naeyaert, A.J. Diemel, Taylor Scheffler,  ,  ,  ,  ,  

Consolation race winners: Rick Scheffler,  ,  ,  

Provisional starters: Ron Stroika,  ,  ,  

Next series race: April 17, Shawano Speedway (Shawano, WI) $0