Reading: Pre-event notes, schedule

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 25th annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, the 17th 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: Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, Pa. Track is located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 298), 10 miles south of Reading, Pa.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 20-23

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Aug. 20
Sportsman qualifying begins at 8:45 a.m.

FRIDAY, Aug. 21
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:45 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 and 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 22
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:45 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 23
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Sunday, Aug. 23, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 1 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Aug. 23, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will telecast NHRA Race Day at 11:30 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Aug. 23, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final round eliminations at 10 p.m. (ET).

2008 EVENT WINNERS: Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel; Jack Beckman, Funny Car; Jeg Coughlin, Pro Stock; Matt Smith, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

TICKETS: For tickets call (610) 856-7200. Tickets also are available at maplegroveraceway.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- Thursday: Adult, $12; Junior (6-12 years), free. Friday: Adult, $37; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $49; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Child (5 years and under), free in general admission and pit areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) --Friday: Adult, $44; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $59; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Sunday: Adult, $60; Junior (6-12 years), $25; Child (5 years and under), $15.

-credit: nhra