Memphis: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: 19th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil, the 17th of 23 events in the $50 million POWERade Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2006 NHRA POWERade championships. Sportsman ...

WHAT: 19th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil, the 17th of 23 events in the $50 million POWERade Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2006 NHRA POWERade championships.

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

WHERE: Memphis Motorsports Park, Millington, Tenn. Track is located at 5500 Taylor Forge Road. From I-240, drive north on Highway 51. Turn right on Barrett Parkway, turn right on Raleigh-Millington Road, turn right on Fite Road and then right on Taylor Forge Road.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 18-20.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.6 million.

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, Aug. 18
Sportsman qualifying and time trials begin at 9:30 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 4:30 and 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 19
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 2 and 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 20
Pre-race ceremonies, 2 p.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 3 p.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, Aug. 19, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Aug. 20, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations at 10 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Aug. 20, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will broadcast NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute weekly news magazine show, at 11:30 a.m. (ET).

2005 EVENT WINNERS: Rod Fuller, Top Fuel; Eric Medlen, Funny Car; Greg Anderson, Pro Stock; and Andrew Hines, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

TICKETS: For tickets or ticket information call (866) 40-SPEED. Tickets also are available at memphismotorsportspark.com.

FRIDAY ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- Adult, $27; Children 12 years and under admitted free in general admission areas.

WEEKEND ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- SATURDAY: Adult reserved (Spectator/Pit Side), $37/47; Youth (12-and-under) reserved (Spectator/Pit side): $10/20. SUNDAY: Adult reserved (Spectator/Pit Side), $40/50; Youth (12-and-under) reserved (Spectator/Pit side): $10/20.