Pomona: Pre-event notes, schedule

CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS

WHAT: 46th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, the first of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in three categories earn points leading to 2006 NHRA POWERade Series world championships. Sportsman competitors in six categories earn points leading to 2006 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Pomona, Calif. Track is located off I-10 at Fairplex Drive. Go north on Fairplex drive to the Fairplex.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 9-12

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $2 million.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Feb. 9
Sportsman qualifying and time trials begin at 8:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSION at 2 p.m.

FRIDAY, Feb. 10
Sportsman qualifying and time trials begin at 8:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSION at 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, Feb. 11
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, Feb. 12
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, Feb. 11, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 12, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

2005 EVENT

WINNERS: Scott Kalitta, Top Fuel; Tommy Johnson Jr., Funny Car; Dave Connolly, Pro Stock.

TICKETS: For tickets call the NHRA, (800) 884-NHRA (6472). Tickets also available at Ticketmaster or at nhra.com

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) --Thursday: Adult, $22; Junior (6-12 years), $10; Friday: Adult, $29; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $50; Junior (6-12 years) $12. Children (5 years-under), free with paying adult in general admission and pit access areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $39; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years-under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $59; Junior (6-12 years), $22; Child (5 years and under), $12. Sunday: Adult, $62; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $14.

-nhra