By alley - Jan 17, 2015, 11:39 AM ET

Clauson dominates Chili Bowl qualifier

There was no drama in Friday night's A Main qualifying feature. No amazing charge from the back to victory circle like Kyle Larson staged on Tuesday evening. And no doubt about the outcome.
Bryan Clauson started on the pole, beat Dave Darland coming off the first turn and drove away from the field in one of the more convincing routs in 25-lap preliminaries for the 27th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl.

The defending champ ended Kevin Swindell's four-year reign last January and, judging by his Friday performance, Clauson might be tough to handle in Saturday night's 50-lap finale.

"Rusty (Kuntz) worked hard on this car and it shows because it was a rocket," said the multi-time USAC midget and sprint champion.

"The track was perfect and really suited my style but I know there's some other tough guys who like the same kind of track and it's going to be tough tomorrow night. But we'll be starting up front so that's going to help."

RACER: Robin Miller at the Chili Bowl with Bryan Clauson
RACER: Robin Miller at the Chili Bowl with Chris Dyson

Clauson drew the outside of Row 1 and

Thursday night victor Jerry Coons Jr.

will lead the 24-car field to the green flag, with Tuesday and Wednesday winners Larson and Rico Abreu in the second row.

While Clauson was in a league of his own, World of Outlaw veteran Daryn Pittman won a tight battle to secure the second spot and Chad Boat stormed for eighth to third to claim the final automatic A Main transfer spot. Tanner Thorson put on the passing show as he charged from last to fourth and Darren Hagen rounded out the top 5.