GAFFNEY, S.C. — In front of a standing-room-only crowd, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series returned to Cherokee Speedway for the first time since 2006.
The fans were not disappointed as Dan Schlieper held off Jimmy Owens by a mere car length to win the 10th-annual Grassy Smith Memorial Friday night. 
“I am really proud of this Wild Chassis. I figured Jimmy was right there at the end, but I held him off and it feels good to get another win,” Schlieper said. “I’ve got to thank Jason (Palubicki, crew chief), Bob and Barb Miller, and my brothers Bill and John, and I can’t forget Uncle Buck, who was at North Georgia to see us win last week.”
Schlieper led all 40 laps, but Owens put on a late-race charge from his 11th-starting spot to finish right on Schlieper’s bumper.  Schlieper earned $7,000 for his second LOLMDS win in the last three races.
Jonathan Davenport finished third, followed by polesitter Randle Chupp and Chris Madden.
Steve Casebolt finished 11th, one spot ahead of Earl Pearson, Jr., to maintain a 10-point lead in the standings.
Davenport was the fast qualifier for the 33-car field, turning a 15.248-second lap of the half-mile oval.
The finish:
Dan Schlieper, Jimmy Owens, Jonathan Davenport, Randle Chupp, Chris Madden, Steve Blackburn, Terry Casey, Scott James, Bart Hartman, Casey Roberts, Steve Casebolt, Earl Pearson, Jr., Justin McRee, Wayne Chinn, Dennis Franklin, Furman Parton, Billy Drake, Freddy Smith, Justin Rattliff, Damon Eller, John Mason, Jeff Smith, Jeff Cook, John Pursley.