What won the race: Inheriting the point when polesitter and race-long leader Anthony Sanders slowed with trouble, sixth-starting Steve Banal of Rock Hill, S.C., went on to a $2,500 victory in the Fast Unified Engine Late Model Series-sanctioned V-8 Tribal Nationals at Cherokee Speedway.

Key notes: The defending series champion, Banal has three series victories, all of which have come in different seasons. ... Sanders was leaking fluid for a good portion of the race until his machine finally slowed to a stop and forced him to relinquish the lead. ... Banal built up a healthy lead before a caution with two laps remaining bunched up the field. ... Banal successfully turned back Brandon White to score the victory. ... FUEL's season finale is set for Oct. 19-20 at County Line Raceway in Elm City, N.C.

On the move: The winning Banal started sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Banal's Swartz Race Car is sponsored by Banal Racing and WP Racing Shocks.

Points chase: Entering the race, Robby Emory (680 points) of Milton, Del., led Shaun Harrell (638), Steve Banal (582), Derrick Ramey (578) and Brandon White (564).

Car count: 9

Fast qualifier: Anthony Sanders

Time: 16.154 seconds

Polesitter: Anthony Sanders

Next series race: October 19, County Line Raceway (Elm City, NC) $0