ON THE TRACKS | This weekend's events

NASCARNEXTEL CUPAaron's 499Talladega, Ala.
Schedule: Saturday, qualifying (FX, Noon); Sunday, race (FOX, 1:30 p.m.)Track: Talladega Superspeedway (tri-oval, 2.66 miles, 33 degrees banking in turns)Race distance: 500 miles, 188 lapsLast year: Jeff Gordon fought off challenger after challenger on the way to winning the Aaron's 499 for the second year in a row. Gordon led 139 of the 194 laps. He finally held off Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip at the end of a two-lap shootout, set up by a six-car crash with one lap remaining in regulation that ended the chances of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
BUSCH SERIESAaron's 312Talladega, Ala.
Schedule: Today, qualifying (Speed Channel, 5 p.m.); Saturday, race (FOX, 3 p.m.)Track: Talladega SuperspeedwayRace distance: 311.22 miles, 117 lapsLast year: Martin Truex Jr. won his second straight Busch Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Truex battled back after an early accident damaged his Chevrolet. Then he avoided several other crashes, a flurry of late cautions and survived an intense overtime finish. With Kerry Earnhardt right on his bumper, Truex jumped out on the restart of the three-lap overtime and pulled away.Next race: Circuit City 250, May 5, Richmond, Va.
CRAFTSMAN TRUCKSDodge Ram Tough 200Madison, Ill.
Schedule: Saturday, qualifying, 5 p.m., 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 lapsLast year: Ted Musgrave dominated the Dodge Ram Tough 200 from start to finish, leading all but two laps en route to a 0.935-second victory over Dennis Setzer. Musgrave, who started from the pole after a record qualifying lap, easily held off Setzer on two late restarts for his 16th career truck victory.Next race: Quaker State & amp; Lube 200, May 19, Concord, N.C.
NHRAO'Reilly Thunder Valley NationalsBristol, Tenn.
Schedule: Today, qualifying, 5 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN2, 10 p.m., tape); Sunday, eliminations, Noon (7 p.m., ESPN2, tape)Track: Bristol DragwayLast year: Gary Scelzi raced to his first Funny Car victory of 2005 and 30th overall, beating Jeff Arend in the final of the O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals. Doug Kalitta earned his 21st career Top Fuel victory, beating first-time finalist Rod Fuller. Warren Johnson, 61, raced to his 94th Pro Stock victory when final-round opponent Richie Stevens fouled at the start.Next event: Southern Nationals, May 7, Commerce, Ga.
Associated Press
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