What won the race: Second-starting Dylan Sillman of Alvo, Neb., repelled midrace challenges from Tad Pospisil, leading 30 laps en route to his first career Malvern Bank West Series victory in the tour opener at Central Missouri Speedway. Sillman beat Pospisil to the line by 0.551 of a second for the $3,000 payday and his first Late Model victory.

Quotable: “It wasn’t easy. Usually I struggle here, but finally found a feel that I like and got the car pretty balanced and pretty good,” Sillman said. “After a couple years of grinding, we finally got it done and it feels so good, man.”

Key notes: Sillman secured his first victory in his 37th career touring series start. ... Fourth-starting Tad Pospisil grabbed second on the third lap and pressured Sillman the rest of the way, nearly taking the lead on lap 11 before fading. ... Reigning series champ Bill Leighton Jr., last year's winner at Central Missouri, was third after overtaking fifth-finishing Kayden Clatt on lap 27. ... Corey Zeitner slipped by Clatt for fourth on the final lap. ... The race's second caution came on lap 20 when multitime tour champ Kyle Berck slowed from fifth with apparent right-front suspension damage. He was the race's only retiree. ... Jesse Sobbing inherited fifth on the lap-20 restart before settling in sixth. ... Series veteran Jake Neal worked his way as high as third on lap 14 before fading to eighth. ... Andrew Kosiski overcame an opening lap spin to finish 14th; the turn-one melee collected Darrel DeFrance and Paul Glendenning, who both continued. ... The race lasted 13 minutes with 15 starters completing 30 laps.

On the move: Bill Leighton of La Vista, Neb., started 14th and finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Sillman’s Rocket Chassis is powered by a Scott Bailey Racing Engine and sponsored by S&S Welding, Corn Growers State Bank, Fox Racing Shox, Malvern Bank and Dirt Track Bank.

Points chase: After Central Missouri: 1. Dylan Sillman (200); 2. Tad Pospisil (196); 3. Bill Leighton Jr. (194); 4. Corey Zeitner (192); 5. Kayden Clatt (190).

Current weather: Few Clouds, 52°F

Car count: 20

Fast qualifier: Jesse Sobbing

Time: 14.617 seconds

Polesitter: Kayden Clatt

Heat race winners: Blair Nothdurft, Jake Neal

Next series race: May 9, Stuart International Speedway (Stuart, IA) $3,000