What won the race: Leading all 40 laps, polesitter Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., scored the victory Thursday in the first of three nights of Masters action at NASCAR-sanctioned Cedar Lake Speedway. Mars crossed the finish line 4.445 seconds ahead of runner-up Chad Mahder in collecting $3,000. Pat Doar finished third.

Key notes: Mars earned his 51st career Late Model victory at Cedar Lake. ... Nineteen of the 24 starters finished the race. ... NASCAR-sanctioned Late Models kicked off three straight days of action as Cedar Lake hosts the 20th annual Masters. … Late Models compete for $5,000-to-win on Friday and wrap up the weekend with a $10,000-to-win main event on Saturday.

On the move: Brent Larson of Lake Elmo, Minn., started 22nd and finished 11th.

Winner's sponsors: Mars drives an MB Customs machine powered by a Pro Power Racing Engine and sponsored by Deppe Enterprises, T.L. Sinz Plumbing, Keyes Chevytown, Baileigh Industrial, Mid-States Equipment, S&S Transport, Schill Construction, Moore Wireline and CMD.

Points chase: Ben Hanke leads Cedar Lake's weekly Late Model points.

Current weather: Sunny, 63°F

Car count: 36

Polesitter: Jimmy Mars

Heat race winners: A.J. Diemel, Jimmy Mars, Matthew Smith, Pat Doar,  ,  ,  ,  

Consolation race winners: Jeff Wildung,  ,  ,