St. Louis: Pre-event notes, schedule

O'REILLY NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 13th annual O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals presented by Castrol, the seventh of 24 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories -- Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle -- earn points leading to 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Ill. Gateway International Raceway is located five minutes from downtown St. Louis at the intersection of Interstates 55/70 and Ill. Route 203 (Exit 4).

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 1-3

SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, May 1
Sportsman qualifying begins at 9 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 2
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 3
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, May 2, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 6 p.m. (ET).

Sunday May 3, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, May 3, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final round eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

TICKETS: For tickets call Gateway International Raceway, (866) 35-SPEED (357-7333). Tickets also available at gatewayraceway.com

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $32; Youth (12 years & under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $42; Youth (12 years & under), $10. Sunday: Adult, $50; Youth (12 years & under), $15.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $42; Youth (12 years & under), $15. Saturday: Adult, $52; Youth (12 years & under), $20. Sunday: Adult, $60; Youth (12 years & under), $25. Call Gateway International Raceway for three-day passes.

-credit: nhra