Georgia Drag Racing News

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Thursday, June 10, 2004

G Squared Motorsports to debut the G Squared/S&S/Star Racing Buell
Courtesy Jerry Battle

HEBRON, Ohio, (June 8, 2004) - On the eve of this weekend's Pontiac Excitement Nationals presented by Summit Racing, there is exciting news from Star Racing/G Squared Motorsports. The long-awaited debut of the G Squared/S&S Buell, powered by an S&S V-Twin, will take place this weekend on the National Trail Raceway quarter-mile with Fred Collis, who currently handles the driving duties on the Star Racing Suzuki, moving to the new bike.

"We tested the G Squared/S&S Buell after the last bike race in Chicago and felt that the numbers (times and speeds) run in that test session, which were comparable to the Suzuki, dictated that we move the V-Twin-powered bike to actual competition," said George Bryce, who along with George Smith, part owner of S&S Cycle, Incorporated, are partners in G Squared Motorsports. "

In 2003, Smith approached Bryce about going NHRA Pro Stock Bike racing with an S&S-powered V-Twin and the pair formed G Squared Motorsports to develop motorcycle engines and bikes.

"We knew that if we combined the talent and knowledge of Star Racing and S&S Cycle we could develop a competitive bike," said Bryce. "Our debut at Columbus is another step in the development phase and another step toward regaining the NHRA championship."

But the news doesn't stop there. The Star Racing/G Squared Motorsports Suzuki will also be in action with Matt Smith, son of veteran Pro Stock car driver "Tricky" Rickie Smith, aboard one of the most coveted rides on the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle circuit for Columbus.

"It's the first time we will have a two-bike team in quite a while. Matt Smith is a good racer. He's the same weight as Fred and although he hasn't shown his potential yet in NHRA racing, he has won in a number of other forms of motorcycle racing and, with the right equipment, can do the same here," noted Bryce.

"Matt Smith's goal has always been to have a chance to show what he can do and one of his sponsors Red Line Oil is coming along with him to give him that chance. We welcome Red Line Oil and Matt Smith on board for Columbus. Hopefully, it will be the start of a great career for the young driver."

"Everybody on this team is excited about Columbus. Fred (Collis) won here last year but this is a whole new ball game. We've always done well on this track and hope our track record here will enable us to put on a good show for the fans," added Bryce.

Collis feels the debut race will go as planned. "Our testing has given us some good numbers that popped up on the board and George Bryce and George Smith feels there's no sense in wasting anymore time. The new G Squared/S&S/Star Racing Buell had comparable numbers to the Suzuki. We've got the power, so it's just a matter of getting the tuning just right to get the elapsed times we're looking for. We should be okay," said Collis.

"The V-Twin market, both in the stands and throughout the reach of drag racing, is way bigger than most people realize. We are definitely excited that we can bring something new for the fans and hopefully we can give them a good show."

Even though he is the son of a well-known Pro Stock car driver, Matt Smith opted for racing the two-wheeled variety. "It was the best way to go financially," said Smith. Now Smith has a new opportunity.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to ride the G2/Star Racing Suzuki," added the thirty-one-year-old Smith. "I think it could be a good deal for both of us. George Bryce has produced championship riders since the late 80s and if all goes well, I hope to add my name to that list in the future.

"At Columbus, I just plan to do my job and learn from the top teacher in the business. I know I'm in good hands with George. I want to thank G2/ Star Racing and Red Line Oil for giving me this opportunity."

The Pontiac Excitement Nationals opens with two professional qualifying sessions for the Pro Stock bike and car classes on Friday (June 11) at 4 and 7 p.m. and two final qualifying sessions on Saturday (June 12) at noon and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations for all classes get underway on Sunday at 11 a.m. All times is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Subject to change, same-day television coverage can be seen on ESPN with qualifying highlights on Saturday (June 12) from 7-8 p.m. Eliminations will air on ESPN2 on Sunday (June 13) from 3-6 p.m. All times is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

STAR RACING/G SQUARED MOTORSPORTS
PRO STOCK BIKE
FRED COLLIS -- RIDER
MATT SMITH -- RIDER
NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES

MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Schultz
PHONE: 770-476-8477
E-MAIL: mschultz@bellsouth.net