Brainerd: Pre-race facts, schedule

WHAT: 23rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2004 NHRA POWERade championships.

Sportsman competitors in seven categories earn points leading to 2004 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championships.

WHERE: Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minn. Track is located a few miles north of the Brainerd area off Highway 371. The track is located on the east side of the highway.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 12-15.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.6 million.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Aug. 12
Sportsman qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, Aug. 13
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 14
Sportsman eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 15
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 23rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. For ticket information call (866) 444-4455. Tickets are also available at nhra.com.

TELEVISION: ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET) on Aug. 114. ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. (ET) on Aug. 15. NHRA 2Day will air at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on Aug. 15.

ON THE WEB: NHRA news, photos and driver information available at nhra.com.

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