Denver: Round 13 pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: 26th 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 2005 NHRA POWERade Series world championships.

Sportsman competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2005 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 15-17.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.8 million.

SCHEDULE:

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

SATURDAY, July 16
Sportsman eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 and 6 p.m.

(Saturday's first session of Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle is scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m.)

SUNDAY, July 17
Pre-race ceremonies, 11 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at noon.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, July 16, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, July 17, ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations at 9 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, July 17, ESPN2 will televise NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute magazine show at 11:30 a.m. (ET).

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

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $35-$45; Youth (12 years & under), $15-$20. Saturday: Adult, $35-$45; Youth (12 years & under), $15-$20. Sunday: Adult, $45-$55; Youth (12 & and under), $20-$25.

-nhra-