What won the race: Third-starting Kyle Beard of Trumann, Ark., outran Rick Rickman for a $3,000 victory in Saturday's 40-lap Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series opener at Jackson Motor Speedway. Rickman started on the pole but surrendered the top spot to Beard late in the race.

Quotable: “We’ve been really good at Jackson in the past. I knew we were bringing a really good car, and that if I did my job in the driver’s seat, we had a good shot at winning,” Beard said. “From the time that we unloaded, the car was awesome. I won’t lie that I got a little nervous when that caution came out with two to go because these Mississippi guys are tough to beat, and you hate to give them another chance to make a run. Luckily everything worked out, and we got the win.”

Key notes: Beard claimed his third career MSCCS feature. His previous triumphs came back-to-back, on April 22-23, 2016, at Hattiesburg (Miss.) Speedway and Jackson. ... Clay Fisher took a wild ride and landed with his car against the catchfence, nose down. He didn’t appear to be injured and finished ninth. ... Shannon Lee won the Crate Late Model feature. ... The MSCCS kicked off its 19th season as Jackson hosted the tour for the 42nd time. … It was the third straight year and sixth time overall that Jackson has hosted the tour’s season opener.

Winner's sponsors: Beard’s Black Diamond Race Car is powered by a Kuntz & Co. Race Engine and sponsored by Gary Beard Trucking, KB Transport and Rockhard Powder Coating.

Points chase: With a win in the series opener, Beard jumped out to an early lead in the standings.

Car count: 16

Fast qualifier: Kyle Beard

Polesitter: Rick Rickman

Dash winner: Rick Rickman

Consolation race winners: Hunter Lewis,  ,  ,  

Next series race: March 30, Magnolia Motor Speedway (Columbus, MS) $3,000