What won the race: Fourth-starting Dusty Leonard of Marysville, Kan., overtook third-starting Delbert Smith of Wichita, Kan., with just seven laps remaining in the 30-lap distance to win Saturday’s National Championship Racing Association season opener at 81 Speedway. Leonard earned $1,000 for the victory. Chris Kratzer finished third.

Key notes: Leonard scored his third career NCRA victory. ... Leonard battled Smith at the front of the field for several laps before pulling ahead for good on the 24th circuit. ... Polesitter Ross McCartney led the first seven laps before retiring early with front-end damage. ... Smith assumed the point, leading through lap 23 before finishing second. ... The feature's lone caution fell on lap 13 when Cory Dumpert spun in turns three and four. ... This was the first of five scheduled visits the NCRA tour will make at 81 this season; the series returns May 4.

On the move: Tyler Frye of Belleville, Kan., started 13th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Leonard's MasterSbilt Race Car is sponsored by Seven D Longhorns, Brice Leonard Farm Bureau Financial Services, Ehnens Automotive, Feldkamp Furniture and Latta Plumbing.

Points chase: Leonard grabbed the NCRA points lead.

Car count: 15

Polesitter: Ross McCartney

Heat race winners: Ross McCartney, Adam Schrag,  ,  ,  ,  ,  

Next series race: April 27, Kansas State Fairgrounds (Hutchinson, KS) $1,000