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PEP BOYS NHRA NATIONALS Presented by GREASED LIGHTNING

WHAT: 17th Annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals presented by Greased Lightning, the 21st of 24 events in the $50 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four 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: Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, Pa. Track is located approximately 10 miles south of Reading off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 22).

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, October 4-7.

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

SCHEDULE: Thursday, October 4 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and sportsman eliminations, 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, October 5 -- Gates open at 7a.m. Qualifying and sportsman time trials, 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Saturday, October 6-- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and sportsman time trials, 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Sunday, October 7-Gates open at 7 a.m. Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION: Sunday, October 7, ESPN2 will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 1:30 a Sunday, October 7, ESPN2 will televise two hours of elimination coverage at 8:00 p.m. (ET)

SATELLITE: Friday, Oct. 5, 7-7:30 p.m. (ET) -- SBS 6/Transponder 5 Saturday, Oct. 6, 7-7:30 p.m. (ET) -- SBS 6/Transponder 6 Sunday, Oct. 7, 8:30-9 p.m. (ET) -- SBS 6/Transponder 6 Feeds include action with natural sound of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, plus interviews with qualifying leaders on Saturday and winners on Sunday.

2000 CHAMPIONS: Joe Amato, Top Fuel; Bruce Sarver, Funny Car; Kurt Johnson, Pro Stock; Matt Hines, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

TICKETS: For tickets call Maple Grove Raceway, (610) 856-7200. Tickets also are available at Ticketmaster, and nhra.com GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Thursday, Adult $10, Junior (6-12) Free; Friday, Adult $28, Junior (6-12) $10; Saturday, Adult $38, Junior (6-12) $10; Sunday, Adult $44, Junior (6-12) $10.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Saturday, Adult $48, Junior (6-12) $20, Child (5 & under) $10; Sunday, Adult $58, Junior (6-12) $24, Child (5 & under) $14. -30-

-NHRA-