Denver: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT:                27th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, the 13th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2006 NHRA POWERade Series world championships.

                            Sportsman competitors in five categories earn points leading to 2006 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Bandimere Speedway, Morrison, Colo. The track is 10 miles west of Denver just north of the historic town of Morrison. From Denver, take Interstate 70 west to C-470 and travel south to the Morrison Road exit. Take Morrison Road west to Rooney Road and go north to the track.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 14-16.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.5 million.

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, July 14 Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 4:15 and 7:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 15
Sportsman eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3:30 and 6 p.m.
    (Saturday's Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle sessions are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.)

SUNDAY, July 16
Pre-race ceremonies, 11 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at noon.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, July 14, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, July 16, ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations at 9 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, July 16, ESPN2 will televise NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute magazine show at 11:30 a.m. (ET).

2005 EVENT WINNERS:
Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel; Robert Hight, Funny Car; Warren Johnson, Pro Stock; Ryan Schnitz, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

TICKETS: For tickets call Bandimere Speedway, (303) 697-6001 or (800) 664-UWIN.Tickets also are available at Ticketmaster, or online at ticketmaster.com.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $37-$47; Youth (12 years & under), $15-$20. Saturday: Adult, $37-$47; Youth (12 years & under), $15-$20. Sunday: Adult, $45-$55; Youth (12 & and under), $20-$25.

-nhra-