Darnell tops Truck quals for season opener at DIS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Erik Darnell, the only driver to surpass 176 mph in qualifying on Thursday night, will start on the pole for the Craftsman Truck Series' season-opening Chevy Silverado 250 on Friday night at Daytona International Speedway (7:30 p.m. ET on SPEED).

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It was the second career pole for Darnell. Joining Darnell on the front row will be Terry Cook, who posted a speed of 175.853 mph.

Mike Skinner -- who owns 24 career Truck Series victories -- Stacy Compton and defending series champion Ron Hornaday rounded out the top five.

Nos. 6-10 were defending pole and race winner Jack Sprague, Matt Crafton, Justin Marks, Colin Braun and Chad McCumbee.

Johnny Benson blew a tire and damaged his truck during practice earlier in the day; he did not make a qualifying attempt while the team repaired the truck. Benson will start 35th.