Championship Drag Racing

Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Clermont, IN
(August 30-September 4)

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Driver Profile

Matt Smith MSR/Viper Motorcycles Buell

Indianapolis, Saturday: It was another day of mixed emotions for the G2 camp at Indianapolis, highlighted by Matt Smith's 6.994 in the first round of the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle. The pass not only gave Smith the fourth spot in the exclusive Mickey Thompson 6 Second Club, it also put him at the head of the Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying class. Smith's teammate Chip Ellis, leader in Ringers points, flew solidly past first round opponent Craig Treble.

"That was a pretty awesome pass," said Smith. "The run was perfect. I had a good 60 foot (1.075) and hit all my shift points. I think it will stand up for number 1 unless it gets cooler on Sunday, and it will be our second straight if it does. The whole team did an awesome job and gave me an awesome bike again this weekend, we just have to capitalize on it this time.

"The Six-Second Club means a lot to me," Smith said. "My dad (Rickie Smith) was a member of the Pro Stock Car 6 Second Club."

"We started from scratch with a new motor on my bike, and to come out this morning and go 7.06 is pretty good," said Ellis. "We found some things in the clutch and new think we're gonna go better next time."

"We're gonna leave everything alone with my bike, add a little bit of fuel, and try to have another good light and make another lap," said Smith. But that next lap wasn't what Matt wanted to see. Both G2 bikes went the wrong direction on the performance chart, but it cost Smith the most and he was out.

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