Mike Marlar thought he was on his way to experiencing more misery at Eldora Speedway when a hard-charging Hudson O’Neal sailed by him to grab the lead on the 44th circuit of Tuesday night’s 50-lap Castrol FloRacing Night in America season opener.

But this time the 45-year-old driver from Winfield, Tenn., had good fortune on his side. After O’Neal flirted with disaster one time too many and cut his car’s right-front tire against the wall on lap 47, Marlar regained command and held on following the final restart to earn a $23,023 victory that marked his first-ever on the third-year tour and at Tony Stewart’s famed half-mile oval.

Tim McCreadie finished in the second position after having a shot at Marlar on the race's final restart with three laps remaining. Tanner English turned in one of his best career performance's at Eldora with a third-place finish. Eldora Million winner Jonathan Davenport and defending series champion Jonathan Davenport completed the top five. 

Winning Quote From Mike Marlar

“I’ve had so many heartbreaks up here at this track, and now I feel like I finally had one go my way there.”

VIDEO: Hear from Mike Marlar after his win Tuesday night at Eldora Speedway.

Castrol FloRacing Night In America at Eldora Speedway Results

2023 Castrol FloRacing Night In America Points Standings

With his win on Tuesday night, Mike Marlar jumps out to the early lead in the battle for the $75,000 championship. Marlar leads Tim McCreadie by six points, with Tanner English (-9), Jonathan Davenport (-12) and Brandon Sheppard (-15) completing the current top five. 

NEXT UP: Castrol FloRacing Night in America at Brownstown Speedway - April 19

2023 Castrol FloRacing Night In America Schedule