What won the race: Outside front-row starter Dustin Mitchell of Pine Level, N.C., won Thursday's holiday weekend opener on the Steel Block Bandits tour at Fayetteville Motor Speedway, earning $2,500 for his first series victory.

Key notes: Polesitter Robbie Emory finished 10th. ... The race was part of the Steel Block Bandits tour as well as I-95 Challenge, a selection of Late Model events at Fayetteville, County Line Raceway in Elm City, N.C., and Clary's Speedway in Brinkleyville, N.C. ... Clary's hosts Friday's action and County Line hosts Saturday's racing. ... Among drivers failing to make Thursday's feature: Brandon Hux, Zack Cox and Chris Mabe. ... Fayetteville hosts the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series on Sept. 6.

Points chase: Entering the weekend, reigning SBB champ Andy Fries of Mercersburg, Pa., had 727 points to lead Denny Bonebrake (718) and Larry Ramsey (702).

Car count: 29

Next series race: August 29, Clary's Speedway (Brinkleyville, NC) $2,500