What won the race: Fifth-starting Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill., raced to his fifth career MARS Racing Series victory on Sunday night at Spoon River Speedway. He earned $5,000.

Quotable: “It took me a minute to get my right rear going there and to figure out exactly what line to run,” said Sheppard. “I felt my tires start to come to me and then I could really kinda maneuver pretty good and change up my line and really cut off the corner underneath them guys.”

Key notes: Sheppard took the checkers 5.663 seconds ahead of runner-up Ryan Unzicker. … He lapped all but four cars. … The MARS Racing Series presented by Rip-It visited Spoon River Sunday for a $5,000-to-win special, the second night of a doubleheader weekend for the Tony Izzo-promoted tour.

On the move: Kolby Vandenbergh of Ashland, Ill., started 17th and finish sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Sheppard’s Rocket Chassis has a Pro Power Racing Engine and sponsorship from Dennis G. Woodworth Attorney at Law, Valvoline, The Goddard School for Early Childhood Development, Keyser Mfg., 34 Raceway, Budda Dirt Cars Transmission Sales & Service, Mark Richards Racing, Print Worx, Sheppard Auto Sales, Speedwerx, Bill West Enterprises and Fromme Enterprises.

Points chase: After Fairbury on May 15, Brian Shirley (388 points) of Chatham, Ill., led Jason Feger (294), Ryan Unzicker (289), Tanner English (270) and Mike Spatola (174).

Current weather: Clear, 63°F

Car count: 27

Fast qualifier: Ryan Unzicker

Time: 14.032 seconds

Polesitter: Brian Shirley

Heat race winners: Brian Shirley, Tanner English, Dennis Erb Jr.,  ,  ,  ,  ,  

Consolation race winners: Bob Gardner,  ,  ,  

Next series race: July 27, Davenport Speedway (Davenport, IA) $10,000