Bill Leighton Jr. takes the checkers at Crawford County Speedway.
What won the race: Sixth-starting Bill Leighton Jr. of La Vista, Neb., drove to his first career Tri-State Late Model Series victory Friday at Crawford County Speedway, outrunning Josh Leonard and Cory Dumpert as Nebraska drivers swept the top three spots in the tour's first points race of 2020.
Key notes: Crawford County Speedway hosted its lone Tri-State Late Model Series event of the season. … It was the first of a weekend doubleheader for the tour in the Hawkeye State and the tour’s first points race of the season. … Morgan Ward of Watertown, S.D., was slated to start third, but did not start the feature; her father Scott Ward finished fourth. ... Twenty drivers finished while polesitter Justin Zeitner was among early retirees. ... Corey Zeitner of Omaha, Neb., won the tour's season opener, a non-points race, at Raceway Park in Jefferson, S.D., on May 11. … Because of social distancing restrictions still in place in Iowa, Friday’s race was a fan-free event.
On the move: J.C. Wyman of Griswold, Iowa, started 26th and finished seventh.
Winner's sponsors: Leighton’s Mark Wright Racing Black Diamond Chassis is powered by a Scott Bailey Race Engine and sponsored by Swain Construction, Taylor Quik Pik, Collins Home Creations, Duros Dent Works, Wright’s Feedyard and Billy’s Cafes.
Points chase: It was the tour’s first points race.
Current weather: Clear, 55°F
Car count: 29
Polesitter: Justin Zeitner
Heat race winners: Josh Leonard, Morgan Ward Grosz, Blair Nothdurft, Justin Zeitner, , , ,