Six-time NHRA Pro Stock Bike Champion team owner George Bryce of Star/G Squared Motorsports announced today that the team and rookie rider Angie McBride have decided to go their separate ways, effective immediately.

“Angie and I tried to work out a suitable contract that would work for all parties concerned,” Bryce said. “Unfortunately, we were unable to agree on some issues, and felt it would be best to terminate our relationship. I wish Angie the best and hope she does well in whatever she plans for the future.”

George Smith of S&S Cycle, Incorporated, Bryce’s G Squared Motorsports partner said, “I know that George Bryce and Angie McBride worked hard to get ready and put a deal together. We’re disappointed we couldn’t pull it off. Angie has great potential and I wish her well.”

McBride, who came from the Outlaw Pro Street series, has expressed an interest in eventually returning to the NHRA.

“I have dedicated my adult life to motorcycle drag racing and made many sacrifices to accomplish personal goals such as a championship in Outlaw Pro Street," McBride said. "I regret that Star Racing and I could not work out the details. I’d like to give a special thanks to everyone at Star Racing, George Smith and everyone at S&S Cycle and Snap-On tools for supporting me. The NHRA is a wonderful racing organization and they will see me in the future. I wish with all my heart it could have worked.”

Even with today’s announcement, Bryce emphasized that the Star/G Squared entry would be competing at this weekend’s O’Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston, TX, and announced that Fred Collis would be handling the riding responsibilities at Houston Raceway Park.

“We have sponsors that expected to see us in Houston, so there was never a question as to whether we would be there, it was simply a matter of who would be on the bike,” Bryce said. “At Star Racing and G Squared, we race and develop engines and racing products, that’s what we do. I called Fred Collis yesterday afternoon to see if he would race for us at Houston. Fortunately, he was available, and I’m sure he will do a great job for us.

“In addition, George Smith and I will continue to develop our 4-cylinder engines and work diligently with S&S Cycle to bring our S&S powered V-twin to NHRA Powerade competition.”

For Collis, this marks a welcome return to the motorcycle on which he won one race in 2003, posting a Top Ten finish in his first full season of NHRA competition.

“Racing is my passion,” remarked Collis. “I went to the Gatornationals as a spectator this year, but almost left after I saw the first round of qualifying on Saturday, because it made me sick to know that I could be out there doing a good job.

“I really never wanted to leave at the end of last season but at the time, there was no way I could continue racing. There have been some major changes in the Star Camp this season and I’m honored to have the opportunity to come back.”