Key notes: The Schaeffer’s Spring Nationals kicks off a Bluegrass state doubleheader weekend with Friday’s $7,553-to-win Finn Watson Memorial at Ponderosa Speedway. … The race honors Thurman “Finn” Watson of Campbellsville, Ky., father of 2023 track champion, Jeff Watson, and former Kentucky racer who amassed more than 300 victories in a career that spanned 38 years; Watson died in 2013 at the age of 66. … It’s the fifth-ever series visit to the Junction City, Ky., 3/8-mile oval and the first since Michael Chilton topped 2018’s 21-car field for $4,000. … Chilton, of Salvisa, Ky., is a former Ponderosa track champion and added a $7,500 Iron-Man Series victory there last fall. … Josh Rice of Verona, Ky., also nabbed a $7,500 Iron-Man triumph there last May. … 604 Crate Late Models, modifieds, hobby stocks and crown vics are on the undercard. … Pits open at 2 p.m. and grandstands open at 3, with a drivers’ meeting at 6:30 and hot laps at 7. … Watch live on FloRacing.

Who to watch: Michael Chilton of Salvisa, Ky., chases his third career Spring Nationals victory at Ponderosa after winning $4,000 there in 2016, '18.

Points chase: Before Ponderosa: 1. Donald McIntosh (936); 2. Pearson Lee Williams (930); 3. Christian Hanger (902); 4. Ethan Dotson (896); 5. Brenden Smith (595).

Expected entrants: Michael Chilton, Tyler Erb, Carson Ferguson, Cory Hedgecock, Daulton Wilson, Max Blair, Josh Rice, Ethan Dotson, Donald McIntosh, Christian Hanger, Tyler Clem, Dustin Linville, Pearson Lee Williams, Jason Jameson, Camaron Marlar, Adam Stricker, Robby Hensley, Tyler Collins, Forrest Trent, Greg Johnson, Cody Mahoney, Skylar Marlar, Austin Lay and more.

Current weather: Overcast, 59°F

Car count: 25

Next series race: April 20, Lake Cumberland Speedway (Burnside, KY) $10,053