A great night for Milo's Jess Willard as he's the night one leader at the "Battle of the North" in Dawson Creek.

Willard and his outfit thundered around the track in 1:14-and-82, just ahead of Colt Cosgrave in second, Kirk Sutherland in third, and Doug Irvine in fourth.

Other locals weren't so lucky though.

Okotoks Mark Sutherland was 21st on the night, but is only a couple of seconds off the lead.

High River's Jordie Fike is well back in 29th, while Jason Glass crushed a barrel in heat seven to fall to 34th spot.

They're all back for night two of racing Thursday, with the top four after Saturday heading to the "Dash for Cash" final Sunday afternoon.

For all the results click "HERE."