Baytown: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: 20th annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil, the fourth of 23 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2007 NHRA POWERade Series world championships.

Sportsman competitors in six categories earn points leading to 2007 NHRA Lucas Oil 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 30-April 1.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.7 million.

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, March 30
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 and 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, March 31
Sportsman eliminations, 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, April 1
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, March 31, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 7 p.m. (ET).

Sunday April 1, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will broadcast NHRA Race Day at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, April 1, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 4 p.m. (ET).

2006 EVENT WINNERS: Brandon Bernstein, Top Fuel; Ron Capps, Funny Car; Mike Edwards, Pro Stock; Angelle Sampey, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

TICKETS:

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

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $34; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $45; Junior (6-12 years), $12. Sunday: Adult, $45; Junior (6-12 years), $12; Children 5 and under admitted free in General Admission and pit areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $42; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $55; Junior (6-12 years), $22; Child (5 years and under), $12. Sunday: Adult, $57; Junior (6-12 years), $22; Child (5 years and under), $12.

-credit: nhra