Thu, 5 Oct 2006, 05:31 PM Short Line Express Markets Gambler Shootout / NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Div 7 Finals

Courtesy of John Bisci Nov. 2-5 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway;

LAS VEGAS -- The National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) biggest sportsman drag racing event - the 2006 Short Line Express Markets Gambler Shootout / NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 7 Finals - has been expanded to a four-day format to accommodate the number of entries anticipated for the November classic. The NHRA's Division 7 finale at The Strip at LVMS has attracted more than 990 cars in recent years. This year's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) event will be expanded to four days, Nov. 2-5, following The Strip at LVMS' NHRA ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals for the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Hosting the two events on consecutive weekends allows racers to save on fuel costs since they are able to park their rigs in LVMS' expansive pit area free of charge between events.

"The growth of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in Las Vegas has been absolutely phenomenal," said Chris Blair, LVMS' senior director of drag racing operations. "Each year we expand the format to accommodate the racers and now we've taken the step of adding an extra day."

The additional day of racing will now allow all NHRA LODRS sportsman classes to receive three rounds of time trials before final eliminations begin. In addition, the KD Canopy Super Shootout will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, for a unique race-within-a-race special attraction.

"The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has a magical feel to it," continued Blair. "We have the most entries of any (LODRS) event, the best drivers from all seven NHRA regions are here and the divisional championships are decided here in Las Vegas. For a drag racing purist, this is one event you can't miss. We are expecting 950-990 participants, including all three of John Force's daughters."

Tuesday, Oct. 31
8 a.m.-Noon - Credential sales for NHRA ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals participants only.
Noon-6 p.m. - Credentials sales, pit parking for new arrivals; tech inspection.

Wednesday, Nov. 1
7 a.m.-7 p.m. - Credential sales, pit parking, tech for new arrivals.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. - Test 'n' Tune for LODRS classes ($100 per car).
6-8 p.m. - Alcohol Test 'n' Tune ($100 per car).
8 p.m. - Track closed.

Thursday, Nov. 2
7 a.m.-7 p.m. - Credential sales, pit parking, tech inspection.
8 a.m.-7 p.m. - Time trials, qualifying for LODRS classes; KD Kanopy Super Shootout.
7 p.m. - Track closed.

Friday, Nov. 3
7 a.m.-7 p.m. - Credential sales, pit parking, tech inspection concludes.
8 a.m.-7 p.m. - Time trials, qualifying for LODRS classes.
7-9 p.m. - First Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying session.
9 p.m. - Track closed.

Saturday, Nov. 4
7 a.m. - Credential sales and spectator gates open.
8 a.m.-7 p.m. - LODRS sportsman eliminations.
Noon - Second Top Alcohol Funny Car and Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying session.
4 p.m. - Third Top Alcohol Funny Car and Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying session.
7 p.m. - Track closed.

Sunday, Nov. 5
7 a.m. - Spectator gates open.
8 a.m.-5 p.m. - Eliminations continue for all LODRS sportsman classes.
Noon - First round of Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car eliminations.
2:30 p.m. - Second round of Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car eliminations.
4:30 p.m. - All final-round eliminations.
5 p.m. - Track closed.

Schedule subject to change.