What won the race: Grabbing the lead just before the halfway point of the 40-lap feature, second-starting Ben Watkins of Rock Hill, S.C., raced to a $4,000 victory in Friday’s 50th annual Gaston County Shrine 100 at Carolina Speedway. He recorded his third Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series victory of the season by 1.195 second over Michael Brown.

Key notes: Watkins tallied his seventh career Carolina Clash triumph. ... Fast qualifier Brett Hamm of Newberry, S.C., led laps 1-18 before ceding the top spot to Watkins and then pulling off the track on lap 21. He was scored 12th. … Brown moved to second with Hamm's departure and chased Watkins for the remainder of the distance. ... Series points leader Dennis Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Watkins drives a Longhorn Chassis with a Clements Racing Engine with sponsorship WP Racing shocks, Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas, Sandwood Company, Craig Industries, John Page Racing, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, Allstar Performance and Collins Signs.

Points chase: After Carolina: 1. Dennis Franklin (1,059); 2. Adam Yarbrough (1,011); 3. Mike Huey (920); 4. David Yandle (912); 5. John Price (840).

Current weather: Broken Clouds, 73°F

Car count: 22

Fast qualifier: Brett Hamm

Time: 15.524 seconds

Next series race: August 27, Friendship Motor Speedway (Elkin, NC) $4,000