Richmond: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: Inaugural Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals, the 21st of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in three 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: 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. 6-8.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.6 million.

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, Oct. 6
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.

Professional Qualifying Sessions at 3 and 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, Oct. 7
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.

Professional Qualifying Sessions at noon and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 8
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

Final Eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, Oct. 7, ESPN and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Oct. 7, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute magazine show at 12:30 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Oct. 8, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

2000 EVENT WINNERS: Larry Dixon, Top Fuel; John Force, Funny Car; Jeg Coughlin, 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, $30; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $40; 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, $40; Junior (6-12), $18; Child (5 years and younger), $8. Saturday: Adult, $50; 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