NHRA ALERT: ELLIS CRACKS SEVEN-SECOND BARRIER

JOINS DEFENDING WORLD CHAMP ANDREW HINES IN MICKEY THOMPSON 6-SECOND CLUB

JOLIET, Ill. - Chip Ellis became only the second rider in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle history to break the seven-second barrier when he rode his Drag Specialties Buell to a 6.988-second run at 188.60 mph during the third round of professional qualifying at the ninth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals.

Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors in the 2006 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series compete for bonus money in the NHRA Mickey Thompson 6-Second Pro Stock Bike Club.

Andrew Hines made history on March 18, 2005, when he became the inaugural member of the club. He powered his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a milestone run of 6.991 seconds during the Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville, Fla., which netted the Indianapolis-based rider the $10,000 bonus from Mickey Thompson Tires.

The lucrative bonus program is available to all NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors at each NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event until the eight-member club is filled. Six additional positions remain open.

Ellis receives $3,000 as the second member of the club. The third rider to accomplish the feat will receive a check for $2,000 and the fourth rider will earn $1,000. Four checks worth $500 each will be distributed to riders five through eight in the club.

Each member of the NHRA Mickey Thompson 6-Second Pro Stock Bike Club will receive a special recognition plaque to honor their achievement.