G Squared Motorsports: Ellis holds onto No. 4
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS OWNERS: GEORGE BRYCE & GEORGE SMITH NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: G SQUARED S&S BUELL RIDER: CHIP ELLIS NINTH ANNUAL NHRA SEARS CRAFTSMAN NATIONALS GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY JUNE 24-26, 2005 QUALIFYING: Session 1 Friday: 7.158 seconds at 180.65 mph (# 3) Session 2 Friday: 10.764 seconds at 74.84 mph (# 4) Session 1 Saturday: 7.248 seconds at 186.46 mph (# 4) Session 2 Saturday: 7.206 seconds at 187.44 mph (# 4) Ellis holds onto No. 4 Races Michael Phillips in tomorrow's eliminations MADISON, Ill. (June 25, 2005) - Chip Ellis placed the G Squared/S&S-powered Buell in the No. 4 position on the final qualifying ladder for the Sears Craftsman Nationals being contested this weekend near St. Louis at Gateway International Raceway. In Friday's opening qualifying session, Ellis, from Americus, Ga., recorded his best qualifying time, a pass of 7.158 seconds at 180.65 mph. "We going to try and get the job done tomorrow," said Ellis. "'Done' means we're going to try to put this G Squared/S&S in the winner's circle. The bike seems to be coming around a little bit at a time, so hopefully we'll get better each round." While here in St. Louis, G Squared, who is actively seeking a primary marketing partner, welcomes Doc's Harley Davidson, who services the St. Louis market from their location in Kirkwood, Mo. "We are pleased to showcase Doc's Harley Davidson to the fans here at the race. All of us at G Squared Motorsports hope that if you are looking for a motorcycle that you visit the fine folks at Doc's Harley Davidson in Kirkwood," said George Bryce, who along with George Smith co-own G Squared Motorsports. Ellis begins his quest for the Pro Stock Motorcycle title tomorrow afternoon with eliminations for all classes getting underway at 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) and continuing into the evening hours. He will face Michael Phillips in the opening round. Phillips qualified No. 13 with an elapsed time of 7.250 seconds. After six of 15 events for Pro Stock Motorcycle, Ellis is currently No. 4 in the POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings with 367 points, 8 behind third, 23 behind second and 70 out of the top spot. S&S ENGINE REVIEW: Ryan Schnitz, Ellis and Chris Rivas continue to pace the S&S-powered Buells qualifying No. 3, No. 4 and No. 7 respectively. Matt Guidera, also aboard an S&S-powered Buell, finished No. 17. While the S&S-powered Harley of David Feazell ended qualifying in the No. 18 position. KEN JOHNSON UPDATE: For those of you, who haven't received the latest update, Ken is out of the hospital and he is now recovering at home. He was released from the hospital on Monday, June 20. Tracy Slemker, of Prosthetic Design in Dayton, Ohio, who, in 2003, sponsored Pro Stock Motorcycle rider and double-amputee Reggie Shower, has been in constant communication with Ken and Ken's wife Kassi since the accident. Tracy visited Ken in the hospital and has already started developing a rehabilitation plan. As soon as Ken regains some of his strength and has healed, he will be traveling to Dayton for the initial fitting of a prosthesis. Ken and Kassi want to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity during this difficult time. There is no prognosis yet on when either one of them will be able to return to work. Anyone who wishes to send donations to the Ken Johnson Recovery Fund can mail them to: Ken Johnson, C/O Star Racing, PO Box 1241, Americus, GA 31709. TELEVISION: Qualifying highlights for the Ninth annual NHRA Sears Craftsman Nationals can be seen on ESPN2 early Sunday morning (June 26) from 12 midnight-1 a.m. ESPN2 will also air three hours of same-day television coverage of eliminations beginning at 9 p.m. on Sunday evening (June 26). The elimination show encores on the "Deuce" early Tuesday morning, June 28, from 3 until 4:30 a.m. Also, tune in to NHRA2Day on ESPN2, the weekly show that gives you the latest information about the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. NHRA2Day can be seen on Sunday, June 26 at 11:30 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 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 2004.