Reading: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: 23rd annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2007 NHRA POWERade Series world championships.

Sportsman competitors in six categories earn points leading to 2007 NHRA Lucas Oil 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. 16-19.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.5 million.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Aug. 16
Sportsman qualifying begins at 8:45 a.m.

FRIDAY, Aug. 17
Sportsman qualifying begins at 8:45 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 and 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 18
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:45 a.m.

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

SUNDAY, Aug. 19
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, Aug. 18, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 6 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Aug. 19, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will telecast NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show, at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Aug. 19, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final round eliminations at 10 p.m. (ET).

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

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- Thursday: Adult, $10; Junior (6-12 years), free. Friday: Adult, $33; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $45; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $47; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Child (5 years and under), free in general admission and pit areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Saturday: Adult, $55; 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