Reading: Chip Ellis preview

SUZUKI RIDER ELLIS COMFORTABLE HEADING INTO READING

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Aug. 12, 2008) -- After clinching a spot in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Countdown to 1 playoff format with a semifinal finish in Brainerd (Minn.) last weekend, Schumacher Electric Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Chip Ellis is comfortable with his team's performance entering this weekend's 24th annual NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway. Ellis goes into the 11th race of the season for PSM No. 3 in the points aboard the quickest, fastest and most consistent Suzuki in the class this year.

Ellis has enjoyed a resurgent year in 2008. After losing his previous pro ride at the end of 2007, he joined Don Schumacher Racing during the off-season and paired up with crew chief Steve Tartaglia, who has tuned the Florida native to one win, two final rounds, one quarterfinal and five semifinal finishes. Ellis has also qualified in the top half of the 16-bike field at each of the first 11 races for the class, including five times at No. 2. He's also qualified for 60 consecutive races entering the Reading event and has never failed to qualify for an NHRA race in PSM since his first start at the U.S. Nationals in 2004.

"I feel great and I'm ready to rock," said Ellis, who is seeking his first win at Maple Grove Raceway. "Maple Grove is a beautiful facility and the only bad thing is that the shut down area is a little bumpy but, other than that, the track is usually fast and they have good air which creates great racing conditions. I can't wait to get there. I just need to go out there and perform like I know how to do on Sunday.

"The points really don't matter right now because it's all going to change when the Countdown to 1 begins following the U.S. Nationals. We're just going to try and keep marching on and winning rounds and try to put this Schumacher Electric Suzuki in the winner's circle."

-credit: dsr