Focus is now on Atlanta for G Squared
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL RIDER: CHIP ELLIS 25TH ANNUAL NHRA SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT SOUTHERN NATIONALS ATLANTA DRAGWAY - COMMERCE, GA. MAY 12-15, 2005 * *Pro Stock Motorcycles return to action /Focus is now on Atlanta for G Squared/* COMMERCE, Ga. (May 10, 2005) - After a layoff of one month, competition resumes for the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles as rider Chip Ellis and G Squared owners George Smith and George Bryce make ready the G Squared/S&S Buell for the silver anniversary edition of the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga. After ending last season on a strong note, the G Squared team has been plagued by frustrating problems in the first two races that have not allowed the G Squared/S&S Buell to show its full potential. "Whatever advantage the G Squared team and Chip Ellis had at the end of last season has been evened out by improvements in the other teams. It's obvious from the first two races that the Pro Stock Motorcycle class is very competitive and a consistent solid performance by any of the qualifiers could win the race," said Smith. Smith is pleased with the performance of the teams that are now campaigning G Squared-built, S&S-powered Buells. He indicated that "the good news is that Muzzy, Mohegan Sun and Guidera's teams are on track..." The veteran Bryce is certainly familiar with Atlanta Dragway and wants to do a good job at what he calls "his home track." "Typically we do really well at Atlanta Dragway and we are looking forward to proving it," said Bryce. "Chip has been going to the gym and working out to be as physically ready as possible. He has been making mental runs and he is the most prepared he's been since I have known him." Ellis, who pilots the G Squared/S&S Buell, is the rider who must out duel his competition. Said Ellis, "I think my main competition this weekend is everybody who qualifies. The field is tight, all of the bikes are running good, and I'm not going to take anyone lightly. I'm feeling confident, the bike is running well, and I'm going to do my best to get it down the track." Entering the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals, the third of 15 Pro Stock Motorcycle races, Ellis is tied for ninth in the NHRA POWERade point standing, just 27 points out of the top five and 97 points behind the point leader. "The run for the championship will be a fight right to the finish. Although there are many talented drivers out here in Pro Stock Motorcycle, with 13 races remaining on the 2005 schedule, we still have time to cut the point deficit and work our way to the top. To start upward, we need a good outing this weekend," said Ellis, as he reflected on the point standings. *QUALIFYING SCHEDULE:* With Smith, Bryce and Ken Johnson calling the tuning set up, qualifying for Ellis and the G Squared/S&S Buell begins with two sessions on Friday, scheduled for 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., and concludes with two additional sessions on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Bike title on Sunday with eliminations for all classes beginning at 11 a.m. *All times are EASTERN TIME (ET) and subject to change at anytime.* *TELEVISION:* Qualifying highlights for the 25th annual Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals can be seen on ESPN2 on Saturday evening (May 14) from 7-9 p.m. ESPN2 will also air same-day television coverage of eliminations from 7 until 10 p.m. on Sunday evening (May 15). The elimination show repeats on ESPN2 early Monday morning, May 16, from 2 until 3:30 a.m. *Television times are EASTERN TIME (ET) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings. * *G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS:* When Harley Davidson accelerated their effort in NHRA, *S&S Cycle* decided in 2002 to join the battle. Because of his vast R&D experience, coupled with his racing background, S&S asked George Smith to head their project to field a competitive S&S V-Twin bike on the NHRA circuit. Smith immediately asked George Bryce, who had been working with S&S Cycle on a similar project, to join the new endeavor and *G Squared Motorsports, headquartered in Americus, Ga., was formed in 2003*. Both Smith and Bryce knew if they collaborated on the project, joining the resources, knowledge and talents of S&S and Star Racing, they could produce a competitive bike to race in Pro Stock Motorcycle competition on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. *The G Squared/S&S-powered V-Twin Buell debuted in 20*04.