Contact:  Jackie Bryce

               G2 Motorsports

              (229) 924-0031

G2 Motorsports

Pre-Race Report

Event: Carquest Auto Parts Nationals

Dates:  June 10-12, 2006

Location: Route 66 Raceway

                 Joliet, IL

1. Chip Ellis, Rider, DRAG Specialties/S&S Cycle Buell V-Twin

(6.8.2006 – Americus, GA) Chip Ellis is heading to Chicago this weekend in search of a very special anniversary present.  It was one year ago that Ellis and the G2 Motorsports team came to Route 66 Raceway without a vital member, crew chief Ken Johnson, who had been seriously injured in a freak riding accident.  In one of the more dramatic performances of the 2005 season, the George Bryce-led crew pulled together to score an emotional win, which was immediately dedicated to their stricken teammate.

This weekend, Ellis and the DRAG Specialties/S&S Cycle team return to the Joliet dragstrip looking to defend their title, motivated once again by a special cause. Even though last year’s victory may have been one of the most significant in the organization’s history, a win in this year’s edition would be equally special, as a fully recovered Ken Johnson will be handling the tuning chores on the powerful Buell V-Twin at the Carquest Auto Parts Nationals. 

“Last year’s race was extremely tough for everyone on this DRAG Specialties/S & S Cycle team,” said Ellis.  “Ken (Johnson) had just gotten hurt, making it the first time we had ever gone racing without him.  We decided we were going to dedicate ourselves to winning it for him, and fortunately, we got it done.  This year, we’re thrilled to have him back tuning our Buell, and we’re looking to get back to the winner’s circle at Route 66 Raceway so we can complete the celebration with him there. 

“We have good momentum coming out of Columbus, and we’re working to keep going this weekend in Chicago.  We’ve had a couple weekends off to freshen our motors and equipment, which is important heading into these next three weeks.  With three back-to-back races, it’s going to be a test of endurance, and I think we have everything necessary to come out on top.”

2. Matt Smith, Rider, Torco/Skull Gear Buell V-Twin

At the last stop on the NHRA’s Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule in Columbus, Ohio, things seemed to be going Matt Smith and the Torco/Skull Gear Racing team’s way.  After qualifying third with a strong 7.059-second elapsed time, on Sunday Smith powered through the last two POWERade champions, Geno Scali and Andrew Hines en route to the third final round appearance of his brief career.   

Although he was tripped up by yet another former champion, Angelle Sampey, on his way to the winner’s circle, the runner-up performance boosted the G2 Buell rider to seventh in this season’s standings, and provided the team with a much-needed boost in confidence.  This weekend, Smith will look to carry that positive trend into Route 66 Raceway, and take home their first national event win.

“I think our Torco/Skull Gear Buell is going to be really strong this weekend,” said Smith.  “This G2 Motorsports crew has been working on our motors and bikes to get them ready for this three-race swing, and George (G2 Racing Director) Bryce has been working with me on my lights, so we should be ready for the stretch ahead. 

“We’re looking to build on the momentum of our runner-up finish in Columbus and do whatever we can to reward Evan Knoll and everyone at Torco Racing Fuels for their support with a big win in the Windy City.”

3. Race/TV Schedule:

Qualifying:

     Friday, June 10:      Two sessions at 3:00 & 7:00 p.m.

     Saturday, June 11:  Two sessions at 12:00 noon & 3:00 p.m.

Eliminations:

     Sunday, June 12:  First round begins at 11:00 a.m.

TV Schedule:

     Qualifying:              Saturday, June 11  5:00 – 7:00 pm.  (ESPN2)

     Eliminations:           Sunday, June 12     5:00 – 7:00 pm.  (ESPN2)

G2 Motorsports Sponsors: G2 enjoys the backing of the following sponsors: DRAG Specialties, Torco Racing Fuels, S&S Cycle, Skull Gear, MAC Tools, RK Racing Chain, Red Line Oil, and VTwinPlus.com.

Sponsor Contacts
G Squared Motorsports can be seen on the web at www.g2motorsports.net
DRAG Specialties full line of products can be seen at www.dragspecialties.com
Torco Race Fuels and Skull Gear can be seen at http://torco.com
The S&S Cycle website can be viewed at www.sscycle.com 
MAC Tools can be viewed at www.mactools.com
RK Racing Chain exclusively distributed by FTM Enterprises, Inc. can be seen at www.ftmbiz.com
Red Line Oil can be seen at www.redlineoil.com
Information on H-D Speed and Custom can be seen daily on www.VTwinPlus.com