O’REILLY NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: Eighth annual O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Q, the eighth of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock – earn points leading to 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tenn. From Interstate 81 North, take Hwy. 11E. Take the Virginia Exit 3 and Hwy. 11E will take you directly to the Dragway. From the I-81 South, take Tennessee exit 69 and go south on Hwy 394 directly to the Dragway.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 16-18.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.2 million.


SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, May 16 – Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 4 and 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 17 – Sportsman eliminations begin at 8 a.m. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 18 – Pre-race ceremonies, 11 a.m. FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at Noon


TELEVISION:

Saturday, May 17, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 6:30 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, May 18, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, May 18, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three-and-a-half hours of final eliminations at 6:30 p.m. (ET).



SATELLITE:

Friday, May 16, 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET) – Horizons 2 / Transponder 12K (12160 MHz, horizontal)

Saturday, May 17, 9 – 9:30 p.m. (ET) – Horizons 2 / Transponder 12K (12160 MHz, horizontal)

Sunday, May 18, 7 – 7:30 p.m. (ET) – Horizons 2 / Transponder 12K (12160 MHz, horizontal)


2007 EVENT WINNERS:

Brandon Bernstein, Top Fuel; John Force, Funny Car; Jeg Coughlin , Pro Stock.