Maple Grove Raceway has built a rich tradition as a regular stop on drag racing's top circuit over the last quarter century, yet this weekend's Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals could prove to be the sport's most crucial visit to the drag strip just south of Reading.

Nearly half of the Full Throttle Series' 40 playoff berths are still up for grabs with just two events remaining before the cutoff for the Countdown to 1 - the sport's six-race stretch run to the championship.

The postseason picture is so muddled in the Funny Car division, where only four of 10 spots have been clinched, that owner/driver John Force decided to take drastic measures to try to keep teammate/son-in-law Robert Hight's title hopes alive.

Force, who holds a comfortable but not insurmountable position in eighth place, will switch rides with Hight, who is 12th and trails 10th-place Cruz Pedregon by 60 points.

Force's daughter, Ashley Force Hood, stands third and has already clinched a Funny Car playoff position. But Mike Neff, another Force Racing driver, is ninth and scrambling to stay ahead of three others within 70 points.

Citing his 108-point lead over 11th-place Matt Hagan, Force said, "It's not secure, but it's close enough that with two races to go, somebody is going to really have to do some damage to catch me. But we've got to get Robert back in the hunt."

It's a risk worth taking for Force, who is considered a long shot to win the season championship but could add to his legacy by rallying Hight's Ford to a postseason berth.

Hight, on the other hand, failed to make the 16-car starting lineup last weekend in Brainerd, Minn., and now must prove he's up to the challenge of guiding Force's Mustang.

"I have been in pressure situations before and I am confident in my abilities," Hight said. "It all boils down to doing everything right. If you do that, you put yourself in position to win. My prediction is whichever one of us has semifinal finishes over the next two races will be in the Countdown."

With 17 playoff berths on the line over the four professional categories, the rallying cry throughout the weekend could be "Every round counts."

Although the Top Fuel field has eight slots already filled, highlighted by Antron Brown's season-long dominance, there promises to be a spirited fight that could carry past this weekend - with Clay Millican owning a tenuous 24-point edge over 11th-place Joe Hartley.

There promises to be a similar showdown in the Pro Stock ranks, where Johnny Gray is 46 points shy of 10th-place Warren Johnson, and only the first five drivers are locked into the Countdown.

And even with six berths accounted for, the Pro Stock Motorcycle division promises to be a down-to-the-wire battle with four riders separated by 39 points.

However his gamble to trade places with Hight plays out, John Force's weekend is certain to be memorable. The 14-time series champion and six-time Maple Grove winner will have his name inscribed - along with five others - on bricks along the track's Walk of Fame. Others being honored are NHRA legend Kenny Bernstein, track announcer Bob Frey, local engine builder Lee Crupi, Top Alcohol dragster Frank Manzo, and Funny Car pioneer Joe Jacono.

Maple Grove Raceway is offering a number of ticket discounts throughout the weekend, including a "Happy Hour" deal tomorrow for fans arriving after 5 p.m. The deal will include the second-round qualifying session and an evening fireworks display.

If You Go ...

Event: Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, race No. 17 of 24, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

The Track: Maple Grove Raceway is in Mohnton, 10 miles south of Reading. From Philadelphia, take Pennsylvania Turnpike to Exit 298. Take Route 10 north for six miles and follow signs to track.

On-track events: Tomorrow - Pro qualifying sessions, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Saturday - Pro qualifying sessions, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sunday - Final eliminations, 11 a.m.

Television: Sunday - Pro qualifying sessions (ESPN2, 1 a.m.); NHRA Race Day (ESPN2, 11:30 a.m.); Final eliminations (ESPN2, 10 p.m.).

Tickets: Call 610-856-7200 or check the track's Web site at www.maplegroveraceway.com.

- Pete Schnatz