CHILI BOWL: Clauson takes A Main prelim

Bryan Clauson got challenged one time Friday night but adjusted his line and drove away with the A Main preliminary for the 30th annual Chili Bowl.

Starting from the pole in his Rusty Kunz/Joe Dooling Spike chassis, Clauson led all 30 laps and rebuffed the charge of Tim McCreadie to put himself in a good position to repeat his 2014 victory.

The kid from Indianapolis whose racked up USAC championships and victories during the past decade, ran the low line until McCreadie jumped up to the cushion and nearly pulled alongside.

"I knew I was slowing down on the bottom so I moved up, got back in a rhythm and felt like we kinda pulled away," said Clauson, who won by almost a straightaway over the 2007 winner.

NASCAR regular Kasey Kahne started sixth, charged to second and held on to finish third and transfer into Saturday night's main event.

PODIUM: Left Tim McCreadie (2nd) Clauson, Kasey Kahne (3rd)