What won the race: Second-starting Gray Parton of Rutherfordton, N.C., led the final 24 laps of Saturday's 35-lap Stick Elliott Memorial for a $5,000 Coltman Farms Racing Carolina Clash Late Model Series victory. Parton took the checkers 0.839 of a second ahead of 18th-starting Steve Banal for this first Carolina Clash Series victory of the season and second of his career.

Key notes: Parton notched his second career Carolina Clash victory and first since Aug. 19, 2023, at his hometown Harris Speedway. ... Steve Banal rallied from the ninth row to finish second aboard a throwback scheme honoring his father Mark Banal's No. T8 entry. ... Zack Mitchell finished third in G.R. Smith's 22* Longhorn entry. ... Points leader and reigning champ Ben Watkins led the opening 11 laps from the pole before retiring on the 12th lap; Watkins, who was seeking his third career Stick Elliott Memorial (2023-'24), was credited with 15th. ... The event honored Gene “Stick Elliott” Daves, one of the toughest competitors in the Carolinas with more than 400 career feature victories; Daves died on Nov. 1, 1980, at the age of 46. ... Nine drivers completed 35 laps in the 23-minute feature. ... Keaton Smith scratched from the main event. ... Cherokee is scheduled to host Carolina Clash competitors again on Sept. 6 for another $5,000-to-win program.

On the move: Runner-up Steve Banal of Linconton, N.C., started 18th.

Winner's sponsors: Gray Parton's Longhorn is sponsored by Parton Lumber, Parton Forest Products, and Renegade Racing Fuels & Oils.

Points chase: After Cherokee: 1. Ben Watkins (986); 2. Jeremy Steele (769); 3. Steve Banal (578); 4. Christian Thomas (461); 5. Beckham Malone (404).

Current weather: Overcast, 79°F

Car count: 18

Fast qualifier: Gray Parton

Time: 15.121 seconds

Polesitter: Ben Watkins

Next series race: September 5, Lake View Motor Speedway (Nichols, SC) $12,000