Wednesday's Castrol FloRacing Night in America feature event was arguably a letdown for everyone watching the midweek 50-lapper at Brownstown Speedway, but in a race where passing was at a premium on the quarter-mile oval, Ricky Thornton Jr. was smiling nonetheless.

That's because the Chandler, Ariz., native who drives for Morganton, Ind.-based SSI Motorsports put himself in perfect position with a front-row starting spot and followed through with a flag-to-flag victory for a $23,023 payday and his second career Castrol tour victory.

Fending off an early challenge from Mike Marlar, Thornton pulled away and wasn't pressured the rest of the way as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series points leader raced to his fifth overall Super Late Model victory of the season

Winning Quote From Ricky Thornton, Jr.

"I felt like if I could've still went a little bit harder there at the end. I slowed myself down and tried to give myself a two- or three-car-length gap, that way if I had to race, I had the room to at least improve my pace."

VIDEO: Ricky Thornton, Jr. discusses his win at Brownstown Speedway. 

Castrol FloRacing Night In America at Brownstown Speedway Results

2023 Castrol FloRacing Night In America Points Standings

With a runner-up finish on Wednesday night, Mike Marlar extended his point lead to 12 points in the battle for the $75,000 championship. Ricky Thornton, Jr. now sits second in the standings, 12 points back from Marlar. Tim McCreadie (-24), Devin Moran (-36) and defending champion Brandon Sheppard (-39) complete the current top five. 

POINT STANDINGS (AS OF APRIL 19, 2023)

NEXT RACE: Castrol FloRacing Night in America at Lincoln Speedway - Wednesday, May 10

2023 Castrol FloRacing Night In America Schedule