News

UPI Performance Sponsors Pro Stock Motorcycle Rookie Kennedy

By Drag Illustrated | September 24, 2014

UPI Performance, a high performance V-Twin engine shop out of Ashland, OH, has joined the Star Racing family of partners as primary sponsor of Rookie of the Year candidate, Chaz Kennedy and as an associate partner with 3-time Champion Angelle.

Chaz Kennedy

“Our belief with Chaz is that he is a young rider with the drive and talent to be a future champion,” stated UPI Performance owner Scott Smalley. “We have been really impressed with Chaz’s dedication to the sport. He has learned the business from the bottom up and that drew my wife Jo and me to want to be associated with him and the Star Racing NHRA motorcycle team.”

“Scott and Jo are great people, “added George Bryce. “We worked together on several projects, including the first street legal 400 HP Harley and have more projects in the works. We have become good friends. I am really happy that UPI Performance has come on board to help Chaz build his future with Star Racing.”

Twenty year old Chaz Kennedy, in his rookie season of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition, has started to see progress in his results. At the rain delayed Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals Saturday at Texas Motorplex, Kennedy made it to the semi-finals winning his second round match-up on a holeshot.

“I am very proud to represent Jo and Scott at UPI Performance as my primary sponsor,” beamed the Ormond Beach, FL native. “They have made a commitment to me and my career for the foreseeable future and that makes me want to win even more. I came really close to making it to the finals my last race and my confidence is very high going into St. Louis. I feel so different at this point of the season than in Gainesville when the season started. Having Angelle as a teammate is incredible. We exchanged feedback after each run and I know it’s going to make me a better rider.”

(Photos courtesy Star Racing)