Memphis: Round 17 fast facts, schedule

WHAT: 17th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals, the 17th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2004 NHRA POWERade championships.

Sportsman competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2004 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. 20-22.

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

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, Aug. 20
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9:30 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 4:30 and 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 21
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 and 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 22
Pre-race ceremonies, 2 p.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 3 p.m.

TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 17th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals. For ticket information call (866) 40-SPEED. Tickets also are available at memphismotorsportspark.com.

TELEVISION: ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET) on Aug. 21. ESPN2 will televise two hours of eliminations coverage at 10 p.m. (ET) on Aug. 22. NHRA 2Day will air at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on Aug. 22.

ON THE WEB: NHRA news, photos and driver information available at nhra.com.

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