ELLIS QUALIFIES FOR HIS 60TH CONSECUTIVE NATIONAL EVENT IN NO. 7

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 9, 2008) – Chip Ellis qualified the Schumacher Electric Suzuki No. 7 today for the 27th annual NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. It is the 60th consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle event in which he's qualified. Ellis has never failed to make a 16-bike field since his debut in the class at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis in 2004.

The Don Schumacher Racing rider made his best qualifying run on his final attempt with an elapsed time of 7.026 seconds at 191.10 mph, top speed of the event for the class so far. His other passes included a 7.074/187.08 (No. 5), a 7.040/188.38 (No. 5) and a 7.043/189.02 (No. 7).

Ellis' consistency throughout qualifying gave him confidence going into race day, where he'll enjoy lane choice over Karen Stoffer, in their first meeting in eliminations this season.

"The Schumacher Electric Suzuki is running really well," said Ellis, who entered the event No. 3 in the point standings. "We're the fastest Suzuki again. That's a plus for us and I'm very confident going into race day tomorrow. The Schumacher Electric crew is doing a great job once again and (crew chief) Steve Tartaglia continues to give me a great bike to ride. I'm just going to go out there tomorrow and have a little fun."

Making his best qualifying run on his last try was important to Ellis. "The last run on Saturday is usually what the race conditions are on Sunday so I think we've got a good handle on the tune-up and we're ready to go.”