LOVES PARK, Ill. — Race report by Race Chaser Online Managing Editor Jacob Seelman — Chris Seelman photo — Jimmy McCune used a little bit of late-race luck to find success Sunday afternoon at Rockford Speedway.

McCune took advantage of David Byrne’s evasive action to miss a slowing Jason Cox with three laps remaining in the 50-lap A-main, powering past on the high side and running away to win the Must See Racing Sprint Car portion of the 49th annual National Short Track Championships at the historic quarter-mile paved oval.

Byrne was able to hang on to finish second as Cox pulled pitside, a broken drive-train ending his afternoon.

Jim Sheets finished third, the final car on the lead lap. The effort was Sheets’ first-career podium in Must See Racing sprint car competition. David Gough and John Turnbull rounded out the top five.

Earlier in the day, McCune set quick time around the Rockford track with a fast lap of 11.501 seconds. Heat races went to Gough and Anthony McCune, Jimmy McCune’s nephew.

RESULTS: Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Car Series; National Short Track Championship; Rockford Speedway

A-Main — 1. Jimmy McCune, 2. David Byrne, 3. Jim Sheets, 4. David Gough, 5. John Turnbull, 6. Matt Vandermere, 7. Sam Davis, 8. Ron Koehler, 9. Andy Hunt, 10. Jason Cox, 11. Brian Kristan, 12. Anthony McCune, 13. Tim Cox.

Heat Race Winners — Anthony McCune, David Gough

Quick Time — 1. Jimmy McCune, 11.501 seconds