Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Michael Ray, who is qualified No. 7 in the Countdown to the Championship standings, delivered a shocking announcement today when he announced his resignation from the Star Racing team, effective immediately.
Ray has lost in the opening round in five of the last six NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. Thus far in 2014, he has one runner-up and one semifinal to his credit. Ray’s overall round-win record in the season is 7-10, although he was the low qualifier at the first two events of the season in Gainesville and Charlotte.
“This is just a business decision,” said Ray. “If the performance isn’t there then a change has to be made, so I felt that I had to do what was best for me and my family. I can’t thank George and Jackie [Bryce, team owners] and Star Racing enough for all they’ve done for me and Gottspeed Racing over the last two years.”
Ray indicated that he does not currently have a ride for the upcoming NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte, Sept. 12-14, but was hoping to find a competitive bike to ride. The Charlotte race is the first event in the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Last year, Star Racing rider Scotty Pollacheck left the Star team during the Countdown to the Championship. He was replaced at the last two events of the season by rookie Chaz Kennedy.
George Bryce issued the following statement:
“We just found out today at 2 p.m. [Eastern time] and we were shocked and surprised by Michael’s decision. He’s obviously not happy with performance or the reliability we’ve had lately but we believe as a team that we’ve just turned the corner. For example, we had the quickest bike in the final qualifying session at Indy and earned three bonus points. We’re very disappointed but we’ll do what we always do, which is keep digging and keep moving forward.”
Bryce also indicated that he expects to announce the team’s future plans shortly.
