Stephens, the 2001 Lanier Sportsman champion, was seventh-fastest in Pepsi qualifying for Saturday evening's 100-lap Budweiser Pro Late Model event.
Stephens was leading at the halfway point of the event, but surrendered the point to Wayne Willard Lap 55.
Willard, who started 11th, would never be seriously challenged during the remainder of the 100 laps.
Willard's teammate, Jeremy Rice of Royston, made a late surge to get past Stephens for the runnerup spot at the checkered flag.
But the Willard and Rice victory celebration was short lived, as both Chevrolets were disqualified in post-race tech.
According to Lanier National Speedway technical advisor Jim McDuffie, both cars were tossed due to rules violation concerning the base of the air cleaner.
Stephens, who finished third, was awarded the win following the disqualifications.
Mike Love tied a two-barrel track record in qualifying with a time of 13.78 seconds, but lined up third after rolling a three during opening ceremonies. Stacy Long and Tom Hardy started on the front row.
Brooks was credit with second in the 100-lap late model event. Clay Dale claimed third in his debut driving for Greg Martin. Long made a nice recovery from the lap 18 crash to finish fourth while Dwayne Buggay of Marietta took home fifth place pay.
The largest opening-night crowd in five years saw Hardy dash to the early lead only to see the pace slowed on lap two after a six-car pileup. Tony Bennett, the 2000 Lanier track champion, was swept up in the incident. Significant damage to his Pontiac forced him to park his entry for the evening.
As the race resumed, Hardy continued to lead the parade around the .375 mile facility until lap 18. That's when his good fortune turned sour as he and Long collided racing for the top spot coming off turn four.
Hardy's car spun to the apron and collected Mickey Cain. Long's Chevrolet darted high and narrowly missed tagging the outside concrete wall.
Former track champions Jamie Stephens and Love were collected in the incident. Stephens was forced to park his Chevrolet. But Love continued despite sheet metal flapping on the right-rear of his No. 25. Hardy and Cain's cars suffered severe damage and retired from the event.
Michael Lance inherited the lead but was hounded by Stephens and veteran Ray Brooks.
The Team Ford of Marietta Truck Division saw 26 competitors take the green flag in the 30-lap feature. Clifton Daniel's Ford started first, but outside pole sitter Joey Love won the drag race to turn one on the opening lap.
Love kept his Ford on top, but felt pressure from Roger Adkins on lap 16. Adkins attempted to steer underneath Love's Ford in turn three while battling for the lead. Adkins truck spun forcing him to the rear of the field.
Love maintained the lead and held off Daniel at the conclusion. Curt Britt made several daring moves during the event to finish third while Ronnie Milford and Mike Davidson rounded out the top five.
With Stephens' move to late model, that left the race for the 2002 Simpson's Trucking & Grading Sportsman title up for grabs. Saturday night, Terry Crump of Rome, GA made it clear he will be a championship contender in sportsman as he outran the field.
Mike Bruce finished seven car-lengths behind Crump as the checkered flag flew on the 30-lap race. Third through fifth in the final rundown was Chuck Cooper, Jackie Daniel, and Randy Stoudenmire.
Brian Huff won the Longhorn Steakhouse Modified Ministock division 25-lap race. Huff sat on the pole and narrowly defeated Thomas Ross, who finished second despite starting in the rear of the field after a mechanical failure in his heat race.
The Garrison Racing Equipment Pure Ministock top prize was claimed by David Murphy. Saturday's 10-lap X-Karz race was won by 2001 champion Brian Sosebee.
Pro Late Model - 100 Laps
1. Kevin Stephens
2. Ray Brooks
3. Clay Dale
4. Stacy Long
5. Dwayne Buggay
6. Michael Lance
7. Paul Kelley
8. Mike Love
9. Shane Chastain
10. Greg Simpson
11. Doug Cantrell
12. David Watters
13. Bobby Hill
14. Jonathan Davenport
15. Jimmy Garmon
16. Richard King
17. Randy Bynum
18. Tom Salley
19. Mickey Cain
20. Tom Hardy
21. Jamie Stephens
22. Tony Bennett
23. Todd Trinkle
24. Steve Rowe
Wayne Willard - DQ
Jeremy Rice - DQ
Trucks - 30 Laps
1. Joey Love
2. Clifton Daniel
3. Curt Britt
4. Ronnie Milford
5. Mike Davidson
6. Josh Noles
7. Ricky Bennett
8. Butch Garrett
9. Mike Grindle
10. Mark Caudell
11. Roger Adkins
12. Tom Schuette
13. David Odell
14. George Williams, Jr
15. Cale Langford
16. Clay Bennett
17. Ronnie Wehunt
18. Kevin Moore
19. Rodney Benefield
20. Mike Crawley
21. Joel Garner
22. Jason Gilbert
23. Fran Eckart
24. David Knight
25. Andy Gaddis
26. Trent Townley
Sportsman - 30 Laps
1. Terry Crump
2. Mike Bruce
3. Chuck Cooper
4. Jackie Daniel
5. Randy Stoudenmire
6. Terry Dearing
7. Brian Pruett
8. Jay Wright
9. J.L. Tullis
Norman Layton - DNS
Michael Mobley - DNS
Steve McGinty - DNS
Modified MiniStock - 20 Laps
1. Brian Huff
2. Thomas Ross
3. Jason Bates
4. Russell Shore
5. Mickey Thomas
6. Donnie Duncan
7. Trapper Glatzer
8. Matthew Jenkins
9. Steve Cothran
10. Tinker Wix
11. Paul Cash
12. Kenny Blackburn
13. Ricky Cash
14. Gene Huff
15. Shane Nalley
16. Steve Hill
Mini Stock - 15 Laps
1. David Murphy
2. Greg Swink
3. William Earnest
4. Gary Jenkins
5. Rob Nash
6. Chris McKeehan
7. Chase Rutledge
8. Scott Dunn
9. Bryce Stephan
10. Chuck Cooper
David Willoughby - DQ
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/3/197014