Reading: Round 19 fast facts, schedule

WHAT: 20TH annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, the 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2004 NHRA POWERade championships.

Sportsman competitors in six categories earn points leading to 2004 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championships.

WHERE: Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, Pa. Track is located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 298), 10 miles south of Reading, Pa.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 16-19.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.7 million.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Sept. 16
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m.

FRIDAY, Sept. 17
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 18
Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, Sept. 19
Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, Sept. 18, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 4 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Aug. 19, ESPN2 will broadcast NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute weekly news magazine show, at 11:30 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Sept. 19, ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations coverage at 4 p.m. (ET).

TICKETS: For tickets call (610) 856-7200. Tickets also are available at maplegroveraceway.com.

-nhra-