Thu, 1 Feb 2007, 01:22 AM Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Returns to ESPN2 in 2007

Courtesy of NHRA Communication To Be Featured Exclusively on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD in 2007

GLENDORA, Calif. -- NHRA announced that ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will continue to air 16 one-hour shows with coverage from select NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series national events in 2007.

The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will be showcased on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD on a taped-delay basis as part of NHRA's exclusive relationship with ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports. The NHRA Lucas Oil Series has a long-standing tradition of serving as a developmental arena for the future stars of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Many of today's top professional drivers, including Brandon Bernstein, Gary Scelzi, Jeg Coughlin, Erica Enders and Ashley Force to name a few, got their start in one of the NHRA Lucas Oil Series' seven sportsman categories.

Anchoring the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series telecasts will be long-time NHRA announcer David Rieff, who will be joined in the booth by popular NHRA announcer Bob Frey. Rieff has been involved for many years with NHRA Drag Racing coverage on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD and brings a deep understanding of the sport.

In addition, the popular Sportsman Spotlight segment, which aired on NHRA 2Day last year, will continue in 2007 as part of a special feature on Inside Drag Racing, a Masters Entertainment Group production. Inside Drag Racing, a weekly show catering to drag racing and hot rod enthusiasts, debuts on The Outdoor Channel beginning Wednesday, April 4 at 8:30 p.m. (ET). In addition, Inside Drag Racing will enjoy two repeat airings each week on Friday at 9 a.m. (ET) and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The NHRA Sportsman Spotlight on Inside Drag Racing will include features on drivers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as spotlights on NHRA's member track network. Frey will host the NHRA Sportsman Spotlight segment.

2007 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Television Schedule

Event Air Date/Time

CARQUEST Winternationals Sun., Feb. 18: Noon - 1 p.m.
Pomona, Calif.

ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals Sun., Mar. 25: 11 a.m. - Noon
Gainesville, Fla.

O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals Sun., Apr. 8: Noon - 1 p.m.
Houston

NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals Sun., April 22: Noon - 1 p.m.
Las Vegas

Summit Racing NHRA Southern Nationals Sun., May 6: Noon - 1 p.m.
Commerce, Ga.

O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals Sun., June 10: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Topeka, Kan.

NHRA Route 66 Nationals Sat., June 16: Noon - 1 p.m.
Chicago

NHRA SuperNationals Sun., July 1: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Englishtown, N.J.

Summit Racing NHRA Nationals Sat., July 7: Noon - 1 p.m.
Norwalk, Ohio

Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals Sat., July 28: 12:30 - 1:30 a.m.
Seattle

FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals Sun., Aug. 5: 11 p.m. - Midnight
Sonoma, Calif.

Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Sun., Aug. 19: Noon - 1 p.m.
Brainerd, Minn.

Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals Sun., Aug. 26: 11 a.m. - Noon
Reading, Pa.

Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Sun., Sept. 9: 3 - 4 p.m.
Indianapolis

O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals Sun., Sept. 30: Noon - 1 p.m.
Dallas

Automobile Club NHRA Finals Sun., Nov. 11: Noon - 1 p.m.
Pomona, Calif.

* All times Eastern. Schedule subject to change. Please check local listings.