Christian Thomas celebrates at Friendship Motor Speedway.
What won the race: Christian Thomas of Wake Forest, N.C., notched his fifth career Fast Unified Engine Late Model Series victory Saturday, winning $3,000 in a 40-lapper at Friendship Motor Speedway. Thomas finished a comfortable 4.882 seconds ahead of fifth-starting Shaun Harrell and Banjo Duke in the caution-free event.
Key notes: Thomas scored his second series victory of 2021. He also won the tour’s season opener at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway on March 27. … Thomas's fifth career series win moved him into a six-way tie for third on the tour’s all-time win list. ... Six cars finished on the lead lap. ... Saturday’s race was originally scheduled for May 8 but was pushed back a week by rain.
Winner's sponsors: Thomas drives a Rocket Chassis powered by a Battenbilt engine with sponsorship from Sewell Logging, J.S. Sewell Hauling and Bobby Taylor Oil Company.
Points chase: Before Friendship, Shaun Harrell (198 points) led Michael Batten (188) and Robbie Emory (182) in the series points standings.
Current weather: Scattered Clouds, 50°F
Car count: 16
Fast qualifier: Shaun Harrell
Time: 15.648 seconds
Polesitter: Christian Thomas
Next series race: May 29, Fayetteville Motor Speedway (Fayetteville, NC) $0