Bristol: Pre-event notes, schedule

NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: Ninth annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, the eight of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories -- Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock -- earn points leading to 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tenn. From Interstate 81 North, take Hwy. 11E. Take the Virginia Exit 3 and Hwy. 11E will take you directly to the Dragway. From the I-81 South, take Tennessee exit 69 and go south on Hwy 394 directly to the Dragway.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, May 15-17.

SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, May 15
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m.

ROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 16
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 17
Pre-race ceremonies, 11 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at noon

TELEVISION:

Saturday, May 16, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 6 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, May 17, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, May 17, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours and 30 minutes of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

TICKETS: For tickets call Bristol Dragway at (423) 989-6900. Tickets also available at bristoldragway.com

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) --Friday: Adult, $34; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $46; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $48; Junior (6-12 years) $10. Children (5 years-under), free with paying adult in general admission and pit access areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $42-47; Junior (12 years & under), $18-23; Child (5 years & under) $8-13. Saturday: Adult, $56-61; Junior (12 years & under), $20-25; Child (5 years & under) $10-15. Sunday: Adult, $58-63; Junior (12 years & under), $20-25; Child (5 years & under) $10-15.

-credit: nhra