Chip Ellis said a lot of people felt the Suzuki combination couldn’t win any more. He believes they greatly

underestimated the resolve of Steve Tartaglia.

The final round during the NHRA Supernationals in Englishtown, N.J. represented far more than a show of brand supremacy. This represented the first head-to-head match for Ellis against his former employer G2 Motorsports.

G2 declined to renew the Ellis contract after he lost on a hole shot at the NHRA Auto Club Finals in Pomona.

Ellis, 38, of Brownsburg, Ind., scored his sixth national event victory when Chris Rivas fouled.

Chip Ellis said a lot of people felt the Suzuki combination couldn’t win any more. He believes they greatly

underestimated the resolve of Steve Tartaglia.

The final round during the NHRA Supernationals in Englishtown, N.J. represented far more than a show of brand supremacy. This represented the first head-to-head match for Ellis against his former employer G2 Motorsports.

G2 declined to renew the Ellis contract after he lost on a hole shot at the NHRA Auto Club Finals in Pomona.

Ellis, 38, of Brownsburg, Ind., scored his sixth national event victory when Chris Rivas fouled.

“This was awesome and I know what George Smith is capable of because I rode his bike all last year,” Ellis admitted. “He’s a great tuner and Chris is doing a great job riding for him. One the other hand, I feel like I have the best tuner. That man is Steve Tartaglia.

“We are winning on a bike that no one can says we can win with. If you know how hard this guys works and how much he puts into this program, you would know why our bike is so fast. My hobby is in riding dirt bikes and going out with my family. His hobby is working on those engines.

“If he’s not at the shop working on those engines, he’s at his house with all of his paperwork scattered across his desk looking at ways to make this bike faster. He’s not afraid to work. I am really proud to be a part of such a great organization such as Don Schumacher Racing and I’m honored they gave me this opportunity.”

This marked the second final round of the season for Ellis and his first one in Englishtown.

“We should have won a few more races here this year already,’ Ellis said. “But all that matters is today and now.”

The victory moved Ellis into second place in the championship points standings.