Popping out a speed of 171.423 mph (31.501 seconds), the Phoenix, Ariz. native will lead the 17-car starting field in Friday's 67-lap, 100-mile "Homestead-Miami 100," scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.

Following steady rain showers which forced the delay of practice sessions and cancellation of single-car qualifying, practice began under the lights of the 1.5-mile track and became a scramble, with two sessions determining the starting field.

Pierce completed 25 laps, but it was one toward the end of the second session which forced Wayne Reutimann Jr. out of the top spot. Reutimann, instead, will start alongside of the front row, coming up with a speed of 169.279 mph.

The pole was Pierce's fourth of his career, all of which have come on mile-and-a-half tracks. His series record speed of 175.012 mph was unchallenged due to track conditions.

Cameron Dodson, the youngest driver in the field (18), will start third in his first series race. Defending series champion Bud Kaeding will start fourth, but may need to make repairs after smoking during both sessions, the second time forcing the premature conclusion of the session.

No other incidents were recorded.

A.J. Foyt Enterprise teammates Tracy Hines and Pablo Donoso will follow in the third row.

Defending race winner Brian Tyler was absent from taking any track time and will start 17th in the race.