EASTABOGA, Ala. Dale McDowell played the role of crafty veteran Friday night at the Talladega Short Track.

McDowell, who started third, snagged the lead from Zack Mitchell racing to the white flag and led the final two laps to win the opening night of the Bama Bash, which was sanctioned by the Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series.

McDowell banked $8,000 for the victory.

Mitchell came home second, with Garrett Alberson, Chris Ferguson and Ashton Winger rounding out the top five.

Alberson was the fast qualifier for the 50-car field with a lap of 13.328 seconds.

Saturday nights $12,000-to-win Bama Bash finale will be broadcast by SPEED SPORT affiliate Huntthefront.tv.

The finish:

Dale McDowell, Zack Mitchell, Garrett Alberson, Chris Ferguson, Ashton Winger, Ryan Gustin, Sam Seawright, Cory Hedgecock, Joseph Joiner, Cody Overton, Dalton Cook, Ricky Weiss, Payton Freeman, Tyler Erb, Spencer Hughes, Josh Putnam, Jadon Frame, Tyler Millwood, Ross Bailes, Brandon Overton, Jimmy Owens, Cameron Tribble, Oakley Johns, Luke Morey, Ethan Dotson, Jackson Hise, Trey Mills, Dillard Hatchett.