SUZUKI RIDER ELLIS QUALIFIES NO. 2 IN READING
<img src="http://www.nitromater.com/gallery/files/5/c_ellis_814944.jpg" alt="c_ellis_814944" align="right"borders="0"/>
MOHNTON, Pa. (Aug. 16, 2008) – Chip Ellis qualified the Schumacher Electric Suzuki in the top half of the field today at the 24th annual NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway outside of Reading, Pa. Ellis enters Sunday's eliminations from the No. 2 position for the sixth time this season and has qualified in the top half of the 16-bike field for all 11 of the scheduled 17 Pro Stock Motorcycle events so far in the 2008 POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Ellis made his quickest qualifying run during the third session, setting an elapsed time of 6.916 seconds at 193.79 mph. His other times included a 6.997/191.57 (No. 3) and a 6.941/192.66 (No. 2) on Friday and a 6.919/193.88 (No. 2) on his final run. Ellis tied Steve Johnson for top speed of the event so far with the 193.88-mph charge on his final qualifying attempt.
"I think our qualifying numbers and speed speak for how the bike is running," said Ellis, who is No. 3 in the point standings. "The guys are doing a great job and the Schumacher Electric Suzuki is running fantastic. I'm just happy to be here.
"I couldn't have any more confidence in our Suzuki than I have right now. In all honesty, (crew chief) Steve Tartaglia, Jason Jones and Tom Patsis are doing a great job with this motorcycle. We don't have any parts falling off and it's been very dependable and I'm just looking forward to tomorrow. I think we're finally back on track."
Ellis will have lane choice over No. 15 qualifier Shawn Gann in round one of Sunday's eliminations.
<img src="http://www.nitromater.com/gallery/files/5/c_ellis_814944.jpg" alt="c_ellis_814944" align="right"borders="0"/>
MOHNTON, Pa. (Aug. 16, 2008) – Chip Ellis qualified the Schumacher Electric Suzuki in the top half of the field today at the 24th annual NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway outside of Reading, Pa. Ellis enters Sunday's eliminations from the No. 2 position for the sixth time this season and has qualified in the top half of the 16-bike field for all 11 of the scheduled 17 Pro Stock Motorcycle events so far in the 2008 POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Ellis made his quickest qualifying run during the third session, setting an elapsed time of 6.916 seconds at 193.79 mph. His other times included a 6.997/191.57 (No. 3) and a 6.941/192.66 (No. 2) on Friday and a 6.919/193.88 (No. 2) on his final run. Ellis tied Steve Johnson for top speed of the event so far with the 193.88-mph charge on his final qualifying attempt.
"I think our qualifying numbers and speed speak for how the bike is running," said Ellis, who is No. 3 in the point standings. "The guys are doing a great job and the Schumacher Electric Suzuki is running fantastic. I'm just happy to be here.
"I couldn't have any more confidence in our Suzuki than I have right now. In all honesty, (crew chief) Steve Tartaglia, Jason Jones and Tom Patsis are doing a great job with this motorcycle. We don't have any parts falling off and it's been very dependable and I'm just looking forward to tomorrow. I think we're finally back on track."
Ellis will have lane choice over No. 15 qualifier Shawn Gann in round one of Sunday's eliminations.
