Richmond: Pre-event notes, schedule

VIRGINIA NHRA NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: Third annual Virginia NHRA Nationals, the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series the forth 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 2008 NHRA POWERade 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. 10-12.

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

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, Oct. 10
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.

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

SATURDAY, Oct. 11
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.

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

SUNDAY, Oct. 12
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

Final Eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION: Saturday, Oct. 11, ESPN and ESPN2 HD will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 11:30 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Oct. 12, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Oct. 12, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

2007 RACE WINNERS: Doug Kalitta, Top Fuel; Gary Scelzi, 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.

-credit: nhra