Commerce: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: 27th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, the sixth of 23 events in the $50 million 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: 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 26-29.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.4 million.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, April 26
Sportsman time trials and qualifying begin at 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, April 27
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, April 28
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

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

SUNDAY, April 29
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, April 28, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights beginning at 6 p.m. (ET).

Sunday April 29, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA Race Day at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, April 29, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise final eliminations beginning at 7 p.m. (ET).

2006 EVENT WINNERS: Doug Kalitta, Top Fuel; Tony Pedregon, Funny Car; Dave Connolly, Pro Stock; Antron Brown, Pro Stock Motorcycle

TICKETS: For tickets call NHRA, (800) 884-6472 or Ticketmaster at (404) 249-6400. Tickets also available at nhra.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- Thursday: Adult, $10; Junior (6-12 years), free. Friday: Adult, $31; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $44; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $44; 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, $37; Junior (6-12 years), $18; Child (5 years-under), $8. Saturday: Adult, $54; Junior (6-12 years), $22; Child (5 years and under), $12. Sunday: Adult, $54; Junior (6-12 years), $22; Child (5 years and under), $12. Call NHRA for four-day passes and campground information.

-credit: nhra