Pomona: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: 48th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, the first of 24 races in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories -- Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock -- earn points leading to 2008 NHRA POWERade 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 7-10

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

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Feb. 7 (Qualifying Session 1)
Pro Stock: 2 p.m.; Top Fuel & Funny Car: 2:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, Feb. 8 (Qualifying Session 2)
Pro Stock: 2 p.m.; Top Fuel & Funny Car: 2:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Feb. 9 (Qualifying Sessions 3-4)
Pro Stock: 12, 3 p.m.; Top Fuel & Funny Car: 12:30, 3:30 p.m.

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

TELEVISION:

Saturday, Feb. 9, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 10, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will telecast NHRA Race Day at 11 a.m. (ET)

Sunday, Feb. 10, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise the race beginning at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

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

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- FULL EVENT: $135. DAILY: Thursday: Adult, $25; Junior (6-12 years), $10; Friday: Adult, $30; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $52; Junior (6-12 years), $12. Sunday: Adult, $52; 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) -- FULL EVENT: $165. DAILY: Friday: Adult, $40; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years-under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $62; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $14. Sunday: Adult, $62; Junior (6-12 years), $24; Child (5 years and under), $14.

-credit: nhra