St. Louis: Pre-race notes, schedule

WHAT: 11th annual O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals presented by Castrol, the seventh of 23 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2007 NHRA POWERade Series world championships.

Sportsman competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2007 NHRA Lucas Oil 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 4-6.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.3 million.

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, May 4
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations, begin at 8:30 a.m.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 5
Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m.

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

SUNDAY, May 6
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, May 5, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 5 p.m. (ET).

Sunday May 6, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, May 6, 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

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) -- Friday: Adult, $30-$40; Junior (12 years & under), $10-$15. Saturday: Adult, $40-$50; Junior (12 years & under), $10-$20. Sunday: Adult, $50-$60; Junior (12 years & under), $15-$25.

-credit: nhra