Key notes: The Rogers-Dabbs Crate Racin’ USA 604 Series headlines the 54th annual Alabama State Championships with Sunday’s 50-lap, $10,000-to-win finale at East Alabama Motor Speedway. … The two-day program kicks off with Saturday’s time trials and 10-lap heat races preceding Sunday’s consolations and main event. … Mark Whitener of Middleburg, Fla., has 16 career East Alabama specials since 2008, including Alabama State Championships in 2017, ’19, ’21-’22 and ’24, earning more than $76,000 over that span. … Points leader Joseph Brown of Columbus, Ga., has 11 major wins since 2018 at EAMS, including State Championship victories in 2018, ’21-’22, combining to collect $58,000. … Jimmy Thomas has two majors since 2013 at his home track, including 2021’s Alabama State Championship, worth $5,000. … Bubba Roling of Clay Hill, Fla., topped 2024’s Alabama State Championship in 602 Crates, worth $7,500. … Montana Dudley won last year’s $10,000 top prize at his home track. … Limited Late Models ($7,500-to-win), factory stocks and hot shots contest features on Saturday; 602 Crate Late Model Sportsman ($7,500-to-win), modifieds, road warriors, hobby stocks and Crown Vics contest features on the undercard of Sunday’s finale. … Pits open at 8 a.m. and grandstands open at 9 with hot laps at 10 for Sunday's finale. … Watch live on Crate Racin’ USA TV.

Who to watch: Mark Whitener of Middleburg, Fla., eyes his third career Alabama State Championship in 604 Crate Late Model action.

Points chase: Before EAMS: 1. Joseph Brown (1,217); 2. Deisel Jones (1,199); 3. Bubba Roling (1,145); 4. Joey Armistead (1,081); 5. Chase Giddens (1,033).

Expected entrants: Mark Whitener, Joseph Brown, Trent Ivey, Jimmy Thomas, Hayden Cardwell, Bubba Roling, Deisel Jones, Montana Dudley, Jake Knowles, Caleb Gay, Wyatt Coffey, Jake Traylor, Jody Knowles, Allen Styck, Tyler Thomason, Ricky Culpepper, Jeff Smith, Matthew Taylor, Joey Armistead, Josh Ray, Colby Darda, Rodgerick Dykes, Chase Giddens, Larry Harrod and others.

Current weather: Clear, 75°F

Car count: 36

Fast qualifier: Allen Styck

Time: 15.459 seconds

Next series race: October 16, All-Tech Raceway (Ellisville, FL) $31,000