Heavy rainfall made life difficult during the main event and Tommy Maxwell ended in a spin at the second bend, with Ronnie McMillan forced into a battle to regain control of his car during the same incident.

Heatrick edged clear over John Christie and Stewart Doak, with the latter moving into second but unable to overhaul the leader.

William Buller made impressive progress on his debut in the class and managed to cross the line in fifth behind Gary Woolsey but ahead of McMillan, Keith Martin and Maxwell.

In the class heats, McMillan picked up the early honours over Martin and Doak. Martin was top of the second heat by beating Woolsey and Doak.

Buller’s schedule also featured success in the Two-Litre Hot Rods final at the chequered flag when long-time leader, Adam Hylands and Garry Campbell, crossed the line locked together and officials felt one car had edged off the track.

Buller claimed top spot over Paul Cregan and David Clarke, with Campbell and Hylands the heat winners.

In the Lightning Rods final, David Hearst impressed in the wet conditions as he worked his way to victory.

It was newcomer, Campbell Percy, who led away in a tight bunch of cars but Francis Rafferty soon took up the lead and was followed through by Andrew Percy.

Hearst made his presence felt by coming through to overpower the two Percys and Rafferty. Once in front he never appeared in any danger.

Kenny Robinson, Nigel Jackson and World champion, Stephen Emerson, were next best.

Rafferty was the in-form driver over the heats by winning both events.

Chris Hamill, Kieran Byrne and Brendan McConnell battled in the Junior Productions final. Places changed on a regular basis and, in the end, Hamill - who had previously won the two heats - went on to complete his hat-trick at the expense of McConnell and Byrne.

Kyle Beattie, Ryan Magee and Tommy McCrory were the other place men.

Alastair Best was top man in the Reliant Robins final. Best pushed past James Logan to win his first final in the class.

Logan was runner-up and Stewart McClean finished third, plus also registered a heat win.

The Reliant Robins will feature as part of a special television programme this year, with Billy McClean lifting the Petrolheads Challenge Cup on Monday and having his progress tracked by the cameras.

Racing returns to Nutts Corner Oval on Sunday from 2.30.