Charlotte: Pre-race notes, schedule

NHRA CAROLINAS NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: Inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals, the 19th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and the first of six races in the Countdown to 1. The top 10 drivers in four categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle - earn points leading to 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: zMax Dragway, Concord, NC. Track is located on Hwy 29 off I-85 at exit 49 (Speedway Blvd.) in the Concord, N.C. area.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 11-14.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.3 million.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Sept. 11
Sportsman qualifying begins at 8 a.m.

FRIDAY, Sept. 12
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 13
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

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

SUNDAY, Sept. 14
Pre-race ceremonies, 11 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at noon

TELEVISION: Saturday, Sept. 13, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 4 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Sept. 14, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will telecast NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show, at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Sept. 14, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final round eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

TICKETS: For tickets call (800) 455-3267. Tickets also are available at ticketmaster.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Thursday: Adult, $10; Junior (12 & under), free.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $25-35; Junior (12 & under), $5-10. Saturday: Adult, $42-52; Junior (12 & under), $10-15. Sunday: Adult, $42-52; Junior (12 & under), $10-15.

-credit: nhra