Baytown: Pre-event notes, schedule

O'REILLY NHRA SPRING NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 22nd annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil, the fourth of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle - earn points leading to 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, Texas. From I-10, go south on Hwy. 146, or FM 3180. Then follow FM 565 to the facility. From the south, follow Hwy. 146 to Spur 55, then east to FM 1405, then north to FM 565. For additional information about directions please visit houstonracewaypark.com.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, March 27-29

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, March 27
Sportsman qualifying begins at 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 1:30 & 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, March 28
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, March 29
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, March 28, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, March 29, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show, at 11a.m. (ET).

Sunday, March 29, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours and thirty minutes of coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. (ET).

TICKETS: For tickets call Houston Raceway Park, (281) 383-RACE (7223). Tickets also are available at Ticketmaster.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Full Event: $110; Daily: Friday: Adult, $35; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $47; Junior (6-12 years), $12. Sunday: Adult, $47; Junior (6-12 years), $12; Children (5 years-under), free with paying adult in general admission and pit access areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Full event: $132; Daily: Friday: Adult, $43; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $57; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $12. Sunday: Adult, $57; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $12.