Norwalk: Pre-race notes, schedule

SKULL SHINE WORLD NATIONALS PRESENTED BY ACDELCO FACT SHEET

WHAT: Skull Shine World Nationals presented by ACDelco featuring the Matco Tools "Night of Fire", race eight of the 11-event eMax Drag Racing Series

WHERE: Norwalk Raceway Park -- located east of Norwalk, Ohio, on Route 18. 1300 State Rt. 18, Norwalk, OH 44857

WHEN: Thursday, August 24 -- Sunday, August 27, 2006

WHO: The stars of the eMax Drag Racing Series, including five-time (2001 - 2005) world champion Clay Millican, Doug Foley, Bruce Litton, J. R. Todd, Bobby Lagana Jr, Hillary Will, Cory McClenathan and Australian Andrew Cowin in 320 mph Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Top Fuel dragsters.

For the first time in 13 years IHRA fans will experience the power of 320 mph Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car, featuring Bob Gilbertson, Dale Creasy Jr., Gary Densham, Jack Wyatt and Terry Haddock

World champion Mike Castellana, former world champion Mike Janis, Avon, Ohio's Dave Roemer and Carl Spiering in nitrous vs. supercharged Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified

Defending 3-time world champion Rob Atchison, former 5-time world champion from Canton, Ohio, Mark Thomas, Terry McMillen and Tom Carter in Alcohol Funny Car

"The World's Fastest and Quickest Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Cars", featuring IHRA's version of NASCAR, the 220 mph factory hot rods of world champion Steve Spiess (Chevrolet Cobalt), Frank Gugliotta (Ford Escort), Robert Patrick (Ford Mustang), and former world champion and Ohio-native Brian Gahm (Ford Mustang)

Champions will also be crowned in eight Mr. Gasket semi-professional classes: Erson Cams Top Sportsman, Mallory Top Dragster, ACCEL DFI Super Stock, Hays Stock, ACCEL Quick Rod, Lakewood Super Rod, Hurst Hot Rod and Top Stock

Matco Tools

"NIGHT OF FIRE": The Saturday Matco Tools "Night of Fire" show features the final round of professional qualifying under the lights -- including two flame-burning Nitro-fueled classes -- and the legendary, ground-pounding Bob Motz "Jet Kenworth."

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, August 24:
Sportsman qualifying at 9 a.m.

Friday, August 25:
Sportsman qualifying at 9 a.m.

Professional qualifying (Q-1) at 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 26:
Sportsman qualifying at 9 a.m.

Professional qualifying (Q-2) at 3 p.m. Matco Tools

"Night of Fire" professional qualifying (Q-3) at 7 p.m.

Sunday, August 27:
Sportsman eliminations at 9 a.m.

Professional eliminations 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m.

Final Round: 4:15 p.m.

Gates Open: 8 a.m. daily

TICKETS: "AFFORDABLE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT"

Order Tickets Now - (419) 668-5555, or log onto www.norwalkraceway.com

Thursday, August 24: Adult General Admission - $20

Friday, August 25: Adult General Admission - $25

Saturday, August 26: Adult General Admission - $35

Sunday, August 27: Adult General Admission - $35

Junior Ticket (6-12): $5 per day

Reserve Seats: $5 - $20 extra

Adult 4-Day VIP Pass: $90, includes Sat reserved seat

Adult 3-Day GA: $80

ALL TICKETS INCLUDE FREE PARKING AND PIT PASS AS IHRA "OPENS ITS LOCKER ROOM TO THE PUBLIC"

TELEVISION:

See the eMax Drag Racing Series on SPEED Channel. Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car from the World Nationals will air Saturday, September 9 at 4 p.m. Pro Modified, Alcohol Funny Car and Pro Stock will air Saturday, September 16 at 6 p.m.

FREE PIT PASS: Every ticket includes access to the pit area. Go "backstage" and watch drivers tune their vehicles for the next round, get autographs, photos, and team merchandise.

-credit: ihra