Seattle: Pre-event facts, notes, schedule

WHAT: 18th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, the 14th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in three categories earn points leading to 2005 NHRA POWERade championships.

Sportsman competitors in seven categories earn points leading to 2005 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championships.

WHERE: Pacific Raceways, Kent, Wash. The track is 10 miles east of Interstate 5 on Highway 18. From I-5, use Exit 142A (Auburn exit) and travel east 10 miles on Highway 18, following the signs to the track. >From other points, use Highway 18 and exit S.E. 304th St. or S.E. 312th St.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 22-24.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.4 million.

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, July 22
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9:15 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 23
Sportsman eliminations begin at 9:15 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 10:30 a.m. (Pro Stock), noon (TF, FC); and 3 p.m. (all classes)

SUNDAY, July 24
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, July 23, ESPN HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, July 24, ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations at 9 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, July 24, ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute magazine show at 11:30 a.m. (ET).

TICKETS: For tickets call (253) 639-5927. Tickets also are available online at ticketmaster.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $33; Junior (6-12 years), $10; Saturday: Adult, $41; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $45; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Child (5 years and under), free in general admission and pit areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $38; Junior (6-12 years), $15; Child (5 years and under), $5. Saturday: Adult, $51-53; Junior (6-12 years), $20-22; Child (5 years and under), $12. Sunday: Adult, $55-$58; Junior (6-12 years), $20-$22; Child (5 years and under), $10-$12.

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