Reading: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: 22nd annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, the 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four 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: Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, Pa. Track is located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 298), 10 miles south of Reading, Pa.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 14-17.

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

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Sept. 14
Sportsman qualifying begins at 8:45 a.m.

FRIDAY, Sept. 15
Sportsman qualifying begins at 8:45 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 2 and 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 16
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:45 a.m.

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

SUNDAY, Sept. 17
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, Sept. 16, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 4 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Sept. 17, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will broadcast NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute weekly news magazine show, at 11:30 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Sept. 17, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. (ET).

2005 EVENT WINNERS: Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel; Tony Pedregon, Funny Car; Greg Anderson, Pro Stock; and Angelle Sampey, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

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