ON THE TRACK This week's auto racing schedule

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCKSDodge Dealers Ram Tough 200
Site: Madison, Ill.
Schedule: Today, qualifying, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, race (Speed Channel, 8 p.m.).
Track: Gateway International Raceway (egg-shaped oval, 1.25 miles, 11 degrees banking in turns 1-2, 9 degrees in turns 3-4).
Race distance: 200 miles, 160 laps.
Last race: Bobby Hamilton became the series' first three-time winner of 2004 with his victory in the Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky Speedway. The race started 55 minutes late because of rain, and the first 11 laps were run under caution as the trucks helped dry the track.
Last year: Brendan Gaughan held off Jason Leffler by a truck length to win the Dodge Ram Tough 200. Gaughan, who pushed his Dodge to the front for the final time on the 50th of 160 laps, led the rest of the 200-mile race for his third victory of 2003.
Fast facts: Hamilton moved up a spot to second in the standings, six points behind Dennis Setzer. ... Deborah Renshaw is expected to make her truck debut this weekend. She will be the seventh different female to compete in the series and fourth this season. ... Mike Bliss recorded an average speed of 143.515 mph in winning the 2002 race, the fifth-highest in series history.
Next race: Truck Bedliners 200, July 31, Brooklyn, Mich.
INDY RACING LEAGUEFirestone Indy 200
Site: Gladeville, Tenn.
Schedule: Today, qualifying, 4:45 p.m.; Saturday, race (ESPN, 7 p.m.).
Track: Nashville Superspeedway (tri-oval 1.33 miles, 14 degrees banking in turns).
Race distance: 266 miles, 200 laps
Last race: Buddy Rice edged Rahal teammate Vitor Meira by 0051 seconds -- the second-closest margin in series history -- to win the Argent Mortgage Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway.
Last year: Two cautions caused by Buddy Lazier in the final six laps helped Gil de Ferran win the Firestone Indy 200. The Brazilian won after Lazier brushed the outside wall in Turn 2 just as de Ferran was taking the white flag for the final lap.
Next race: Milwaukee Indy 225, July 25.
NHRAMile-High Nationals
Site: Denver
Schedule: Today, qualifying, 6:15 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, Noon (ESPN2, 8 p.m., tape); Sunday, eliminations, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2, 9 p.m., tape).
Track: Bandimere Speedway.
Last event: Tragedy occurred at the Sears Craftsman Nationals in Madison, Ill. on June 27, when Top Fuel driver Darrell Russell died as a result of a crash during the second round of eliminations. The 35-year-old driver's car broke up while traveling about 300 mph and burst into flames just after crossing the finish line. Doug Kalitta won Top Fuel and took over the points lead for the first time in his career. Gary Scelzi (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Bike) were the other winners.
Last year: Larry Dixon raced to his sixth Top Fuel victory of 2003 at the Mile-High Nationals. John Force finally captured his first Funny Car win of the season while Warren Johnson took Pro Stock.
Next event: CarQuest Auto Parts Nationals, July 25, Seattle
On the Net: http://www.nhra.com
Associated Press