Joliet: Pre-event notes, schedule

UNITED ASSOCIATION ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS

WHAT: 12th annual United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals, the 10th 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: Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, Ill. The track is located 30 miles southwest of Chicago on Route 53 (historic Route 66), approximately three miles south of the I-80 in Joliet. Take I-80 to exit #132A (Route 53 south) to the track.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, June 4-7.

SCHEDULE: THURSDAY, June 4 - Sportsman qualifying begins at 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, June 5
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, June 6
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at noon and 3:00 p.m.

JEG'S ALLSTARS ELIMINATION ROUNDS at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, June 7
Pre-race ceremonies, 10:30 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, June 6, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10:30 p.m. (ET).

Sunday June 7, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, June 7, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of eliminations at 4 p.m. (ET).

TICKETS: For tickets, call (815) 727-RACE. Tickets also available at Ticketmaster and ticketmaster.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- Thursday: Adult, $13; Junior (12 years and under), free. Friday: Adult, $41; Junior (12 years and under), $11. Saturday: Adult, $48; Junior (12 years and under), $11. Sunday: Adult, $56; Junior (12 years and under), $11

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $51; Junior (12 years and under), $16. Saturday: Adult, $58; Junior (12 years and under), $16. Sunday: Adult, $66; Junior (12 years and under), $16.

-credit: nhra