Richmond: Pre-event notes, schedule

NHRA VIRGINIA NATIONALS FACT SHEET WHAT: Fourth annual NHRA Virginia Nationals, the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and the fourth of six races in the Countdown to 1. The top 10 drivers in three categories - Top ...

NHRA VIRGINIA NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: Fourth annual NHRA Virginia Nationals, the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and the fourth of six races in the Countdown to 1. The top 10 drivers in three categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock - earn points leading to 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Virginia Motorsports Park, Dinwiddie, Va. From the north, take I-95 south to I-85 (Exit 51), then to Route 1 (Exit 63A). Route 1 turns into Boydton Plank Rd. Drive four miles and the Park is on the right; from the south, Take I-95 north to I-85 (Exit 51) then to Route1 (Exit 63A). Route 1 turns into Boydton Plank Rd. Drive four miles and the Park is on the right; from the southwest, take I-85 North to Dinwiddie (Exit 53), then at the top of the exit ramp take a left onto Route 703 and drive one mile until you get to the stop sign. Take a right onto Route 1/Boydton Plank Rd. and drive seven miles and the track is on the left-hand side.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Oct. 9-11.

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, Oct. 9
Sportsman qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m.

Professional Qualifying Sessions at 1:30 and 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, Oct. 10
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.

Professional Qualifying Sessions at noon and 2:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 11
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

Final Eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION: Saturday, Oct. 10, ESPN and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10:30 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Oct. 11, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Oct. 11, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations at 7p.m. (ET).

2008 EVENT WINNERS: Tony Schumacher, Top Fuel; Cruz Pedregon, Funny Car; Dave Connolly, Pro Stock.

TICKETS: For tickets call Virginia Motorsports Park, (804) 862-3174. Tickets also available at ticketmaster.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $31; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $44; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $45; Junior (6-12 years) $10; Child (5 years and under), free with paying adult in general admission and pit areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $41; Junior (6-12), $18; Child (5 years and younger), $8. Saturday: Adult, $54; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and under), $10. Sunday: Adult, $55; Junior (6-12 years), $25; Child (5 years and under), $15.