Commerce: Pre-event notes, schedule

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 29th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, the sixth 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: Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Ga. I-85 to Exit 149 (Hwy 441). After exiting the freeway, go north on Highway 441 to Steven Tanger Blvd. Take left on Tanger and then go right on Ridgeway Road.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, April 16-19.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, April 16
Sportsman qualifying begins at 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, April 17
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 and 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, April 18
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

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

SUNDAY, April 19
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, April 18, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 6 p.m. (ET).

Sunday April 19, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, April 19, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

TICKETS: For tickets call NHRA, (800) 884-6472 or Ticketmaster.com. Tickets also available at nhra.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Thursday: Adult, $14; Junior (6-12 years), free. Friday: Adult, $34; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $46; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $46; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Child (5 years-under), admitted free with paying adult in general admission and pit access areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $40; Junior (6-12 years), $18; Child (5 years-under), $8. Saturday: Adult, $56; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $12. Sunday: Adult, $56; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $12. Call NHRA for four-day passes and campground information.

-credit: nhra