What won the race: Leading all 60 laps from outside the front row, Garrett Smith of Madison, Ga., earned a $15,053 Schaeffer's Spring Nationals victory Saturday in his debut at Thunderhill Raceway. The reigning series champ took the checkers 1.714 seconds ahead of track record-holder Josh Putnam for his fourth career tour victory.

Quotable: "It was pretty tough to navigate through some of them (slower cars) back there. I know Ray (Cook) told them in the drivers' meeting, to preferably go high, but I think that went by some of their heads," Smith said. "But, other than that, great race, great car. All glory to God."

Key notes: Garrett Smith's previous series victory came last May at Rockcastle Speedway in Mount Vernon, Ky. ... It was his first win of any kind since July 2025. ... At Thunderhill, Smith made a key move before halfway in getting around the slower car of Matthew Brocato, who had been holding up the frontrunners in the preferred low groove. ... Third-starting Josh Putnam pressured Smith occasionally in the second half of the race but couldn't find a way by. ... Polesitter Tucker Anderson ran second early but slipped back to sixth midrace, gaining a few spots late to finish fourth. ... The race's lone caution appeared on the 55th lap when third-running Payton Freeman slipped over the banking with a right-rear flat tire before retiring. ... Oakley Johns overcame a postquailfying penalty, improving four positions to finish sixth. ... John Minon scratched after a hard qualifying crash. ... Friday's $5,053-to-win weekend opener rained out. ... The high-banked Thunderhill's pit and parking areas have both been renovated with a new surface under new owner Cooter Harris; new speakers and audio system, scoring loop, scales, bleachers and lights are among other improvements.

On the move: Dillard Hatchett of Cornersville, Tenn., started 13th and finished ninth.

Winner's sponsors: Smith’s Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and carries sponsorship from Atlanta Paving & Concrete Construction, The World Famous Cadillac Ranch, G Spot, VP Racing Fuels, Boswell Oil, JM Custom Laser, Go Lithium, Schaeffer's Racing Oil, Bilstein Shocks, Stanley Painting, DirtCarLift, Hoosier Race Tires by Durham, VG Performance, SRI, Slicker Graphics and MyRacePass.

Points chase: Before Thunderhill: 1. Brandon Overton (392); 2. Zack Mitchell (390); 3. Tucker Anderson (380); 4. Carson Ferguson (370); T5. Garrett Smith (356); T5. Kendall Franklin (356).

Current weather: Clear, 55°F

Car count: 19

Fast qualifier: Garrett Smith

Time: 13.074 seconds

Polesitter: Tucker Anderson

Heat race winners: Tucker Anderson, Garrett Smith

Next series race: April 2, I-75 Raceway (Sweetwater, TN) $5,053