Motorsports

NHRA Gatornationals

By SUSAN WADE
Published March 15, 2007

When: Today through Sunday.

Where: Gainesville Raceway, 11211 N County Road 225.

Purse: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.8-million.

Schedule: Today -- Sportsman qualifying and time trials, 8:30 a.m. Friday - Sportsman qualifying, time trials and eliminations begin at 7:30 a.m.; Pro qualifying noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday - Sportsman eliminations begin at 7:30 a.m.; Pro qualifying noon and 2:30 p.m. Sunday - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TV: Sunday - ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 1 a.m. and two hours of final eliminations at 5 p.m..

2006 winners: Dave Grubnic (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Tom Martino (Pro Stock), Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

Track records: Top Fuel - 4.481 seconds, Dave Grubnic, 2005; 333.95 mph, Tony Schumacher, 2005. Funny Car - 4.749 seconds, Robert Hight, 2005; 329.42 mph, John Force, 2005. Pro Stock - 6.633 seconds, 208.23 mph, Greg Anderson, 2005. Pro Stock Motorcycle - 6.991 seconds, Andrew Hines, 2005; 197.45 mph, GT Tonglet, 2005.

National records: Top Fuel - 4.428 seconds (2006, Pomona, Calif.) and 336.15 mph (2005, Columbus, Ohio), Tony Schumacher. Funny Car - 4.659 seconds (2007, Phoenix), Tony Pedregon; 333.66 mph (2006, Pomona, Calif.), Jack Beckman. Pro Stock - 6.558 seconds and 209.75 mph (2006, Richmond, Va.), Jason Line. Pro Stock Motorcycle - 6.939 sec. (2006, Mohnton, Pa.), Angelle Sampey; 197.45 mph (2005, Gainesville), Andrew Hines.

Tickets: Toll-free (800) 884-6472 or visit nhra.com.

General admission (includes pit pass): Thursday - adult $14, junior (6-12 years) free. Friday - adult $33, junior $10. Saturday - adult $53, junior $10. Sunday - adult $55, junior $10. Child (5 years and under), admitted free with paying adult in general admission and pit access areas each day.

Reserved seats (includes pit pass): Friday - adult $43, junior (6-12 years) $20, child (5 and under) $10. Saturday - adult $62, junior $22, child $12. Sunday - adult $62; junior $24, child $14.

Directions: North on Interstate 75 to Exit 382 (Williston Road, County Road 331). Turn left to Waldo Road (State Road 24) and go north. Turn left on NE 53rd Avenue and make an immediate right on CR 225. Go 3 1/2 miles to track.

[Last modified March 15, 2007, 01:29:29]