Wed, 21 Nov 2007, 11:44 AM Chip Ellis Released from G2

Courtesy of Tim Hailey

George Smith, president of G2 Motorsports, announced that Chip Ellis's contract will not be renewed for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle riding duties for 2008. A frequent number one qualifier, Ellis failed to produce a win in 2007 and finished third in points. "Chip is very adept at making the bike go quick and fast, the problem has been on Sunday," said Smith.

"Personally, I have developed a good working relationship with Chip. I admire him and believe that he is one of the best motorcycle riders in the world. He has been a great help in proving the capabilities of the S&S powered V-Twin Pro Stock Motorcycle, and has helped our program immensely the past few years. He has the option of remaining as a valued employee of G2 as he considers his plans."

"He's been the best test rider we've ever had," said Jackie Bryce, G2 vice president of operations. And in 28 years with Star Racing and G2, Bryce has seen a lot of riders.

"We'd like to retain his talents as a test driver and his ability to demonstrate bikes for customers," agreed G2 co-owner George Bryce. "Sometimes, change is required for things to move forward."

"My agreement with Chip for 2007 was that we would put forth a maximum effort and do our best to perform at the highest level," added Smith. "And with Ken Johnson, Dale Ellis, the guys back at S&S and the whole crew here at G2 in Americus, we did just that. I challenged Chip to be able to surge hard and cut good lights on Sunday. That was part of the deal. Had we won either of the final rounds we were in at Pomona or Las Vegas, we would have won a championship. What I did this year to work with Chip, and what George Bryce did with Chip, didn't work. Now he can decide what he wants to do with his racing career. This is not a negative parting. We've had a good crew meeting here, and I've called the sponsors and assured them that this is a positive opportunity for them and all of us."

"I want to thank George Bryce and George Smith for the opportunity of a lifetime to help fulfill one of my dreams," said Ellis. "Things are looking pretty good for next year. I have a couple of things in the works and we'll just have to see what happens."

The 2008 NHRA POWERade Championship Drag Racing Series begins for pro stock motorcycles at the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals, March 13-16, 2008 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida.

G Squared Motorsports can be seen on the web at http://www.g2motorsports.net

NHRA: 10 Most Recent Entries [ top ]

Feb 10- Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund Part of $27 Million Overall Purse
Feb 08- NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Releases 2026 Schedule
Feb 07- Huge List of Legends Set to Appear at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Feb 05- NHRA and Legends Global Extend Merchandise Partnership Ahead of 75th Anniversary Season
Feb 04- Doug Foley Announces Addition of Ron Douglas as Consultant to Foley Lewis Racing Top Fuel Team
Feb 04- Tickets Now on Sale for NHRA's Debut at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park and Rockingham Dragway
Feb 04- Reed, Zetterström to Share Driving Duties of Reed Trucking & Excavating Top Fuel Dragster
Jan 29- NHRA to Honor Iconic John Force in 2027 with "50 Years Of Force"
Jan 28- Top Fuel All-Star Callout Returns to Open NHRA's 75th Anniversary Season at Gatornationals
Jan 28- John Force Racing Announces Crew Chiefs for NHRA's 75th Anniversary Season