Gateway: Sears Craftsman Nationals fact sheet

<pre> SEARS CRAFTSMAN NHRA NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: Fifth annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals, the 12th of 24 events in the $50 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in five categories earn points leading to 2001 NHRA Winston championships.

Sportsman competitors in seven categories earn points leading to 2001 NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series championships.

WHERE: Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Ill. Track is located at 700 Raceway Blvd. Take exit 4 (Ill. 203) at the intersection of I- 70/55.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, June 21-24.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.9 million.

SCHEDULE: THURSDAY, June 21 Gates open at 10 a.m. Qualifying and time trials, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, June 22 Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and sportsman eliminations, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 4:15 and 7:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, June 23 Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and sportsman eliminations, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.

SUNDAY, June 24 Gates open at 7 a.m. Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION: Saturday, June 23, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, June 24, ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE: June 22, 8:30-9 p.m. (ET) - SBS 6/Transponder 5 June 23, 9:30-10 p.m. (ET) - SBS 6/Transponder 3 June 24, 10:30-11 p.m. (ET) - SBS 6/Transponder 3

Feeds include action with natural sound of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, and Pro Stock Truck plus interviews with qualifying leaders on Saturday and winners on Sunday.

2000 CHAMPIONS: Gary Scelzi, Top Fuel Jerry Toliver, Funny Car Ron Krisher, Pro Stock Matt Hines, Pro Stock Motorcycle John Coughlin, Pro Stock Truck.

TICKETS: For tickets call Gateway International Raceway, (618) 482-5501. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster, gatewayraceway.com and nhra.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) Thursday: Adult, $10, Youth (12 years & under), free. Friday: Adult, $25, Youth (12 years & under), free.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) Saturday: Adult, $38-48, Youth (12 years & under), $10-20; Sunday: Adult, $43-55, Youth (12 years & under), $15-25.

-NHRA-