Seattle: Round 14 preview, fast facts

WHAT: 17th 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 2004 NHRA POWERade championships.

Sportsman competitors in seven categories earn points leading to 2004 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 23-25.

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

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, July 23
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 24
Sportsman eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 25
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 17th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. Call (253) 631-1550, Ticketmaster, or visit ticketmaster.com for ticket information.

TELEVISION: ESPN will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET) on July 24. ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET) on July 25. NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute magazine show, will air at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on July 25.

ON THE WEB: NHRA news, photos and driver information available at www.nhra.com.

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