NHRA News: G Squared Motorsports returns at Indy with new rider (8/30/2004)

G Squared Motorsports returns at Indy with new rider

8/30/2004

Chip Ellis

Having missed the last four races following NHRA-imposed weight penalties, G Squared Motorsports, owned by George Bryce and George Smith, will return to action at the 50th annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals with a new rider, former AMA/Prostar Funnybike and Formula Superbike champion Chip Ellis.

"Chip is the type of rider that's good on a lot of different types of motorcycles and we feel that we're fortunate to have him as part of the future of G2 Motorsports," said Bryce.

"It's an awesome opportunity to join George Bryce, George Smith and G2 Motorsports," said Ellis. "I've always wanted to run in NHRA Pro Stock. I look forward to winning some races for and with G2.

"George Bryce's 50th birthday is on Monday and the finals of the 50th anniversary U.S. Nationals are on Monday. I would love to give George a win on his birthday. That's a high goal to set, especially in my first NHRA race, but to do it would be awesome.

"Competition will be great. All the bikes that run NHRA are good. I'm excited about Indy being my debut race and my first order of business will be to get qualified and after that go rounds."

Ellis, who currently lives in Columbia, S.C., plans on moving wife Kathy and daughter Mackenzie to Americus, Ga., in the near future.

George Smith is excited that Ellis is on board and the new found performance gains.

"We are excited that we're going to be able to make Indy," said Smith. "This is the 50th anniversary of the 'big show' and we were afraid we couldn't get ready in time. Ken Johnson and our new rider Chip Ellis have done a great job of cleaning up the bike and making a lot of little improvements which will hopefully add up to better performance.

"Chip has been remarkable riding our Street Pro and E.T. bikes in the AHDRA sanction but he hasn't gotten any seat time on the Pro-Stocker. But he's very versatile and a quick study who's gone fast on other bikes, so I'm not worried.

"The S&S guys have stepped up their engine development program and will be delivering two new engines Thursday night in time for us to install one for the Friday qualifying round. They've found us some more power so it's time to put it to the track and see what happens.

"I'm especially glad we're returning so we can celebrate my partner George Bryce's 50th birthday while at the 50th Indy running. We've got a great team and great equipment and we're looking forward to winning."

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