"Let me say this, and I want people to really hear this, the success of our S&S Buell program can largely be attributed to Chip Ellis," Smith said. "I have a special fondness for him, and I hope he stays on as a part of this team. He is the best rider I've ever seen at getting the most out of a bike. We're hoping to keep him as a test rider, but we're also allowing him to explore his chances to ride for someone else.

"We had a team meeting, and Chip said flat-out that he would make changes too. Had we won either of the final two races, we'd be champions right now. We challenged Chip to make this his year on Sundays. He's always been great in testing and qualifying. George and I did all we could to help him, but by Chip's own admission, he struggled to maintain his focus at times."

Ellis had two runner-up finishes and five low qualifiers this year on the G2 Motorsports Drag Specialties S&S Cycles Buell V-Twin.

"This was the first year in the history of our company that we didn't win a race," Bryce said. "Changes had to be made. It's like we played 16 games and went 0-16. There's no one to blame, and I don't want Chip to take the hit by himself because it's not like that. We made several moves within the team. Collectively, we didn't get it done."

Smith and Bryce are in negotiations with several replacement riders, including three-time titlist Angelle Sampey, who rose to championship glory with Bryce after attending his drag racing school.

"We'd love to have her onboard again," Bryce said.

"I can't think of anyone in our class, or our sport for that matter, that's more marketable than Angelle," Smith said. "Still, we need funding to run this program. We can't put forth the effort it takes to win a championship without corporate sponsorship. The days of doing it on your own are long gone."

Like many teams, Smith and Bryce's front-office personnel are working hard to secure funding for 2008 and beyond. The team estimates it needs $750,000 to put together a program that will yield the best return for potential sponsors.

"If we're going to do this, I want to do it right," Smith said. "Whether it's with Angelle or anyone else, you have to do all the things it takes to make the sponsorship work, which goes way beyond your success on the racetrack.

"At the same time, we have 13 engine customers we need to service, and they will always be at the top of the list because they're the ones paying for our engines and bikes."

This story is copyright 2007 by the National Hot Rod Association. It may not be reprinted or reused in any way without the express written consent of NHRA.com.