Stirk and Surmatchewski Win at Cayuga’s TNT Super Series Double

David Surmatchewski is the new TNTSS points leader!….

The most competitive sportsman series in the country – the Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series – saw 28 cars return to Cayuga Dragway at Toronto Motorsports Park this past weekend.  Andrew Stirk from Brampton, Ontario and David Surmatchewski of Oakland, Ontario both took event wins in the REVS Full Throttle Powersports weekend.

Both Andrew and David are familiar with the TNTSS winner’s circle and this weekend’s performances improve both of their qualifying positions for the Dilts Piston Hydraulics Race of Champions coming up in August.

Saturday June 8

After qualifying third with a 7.009, Andrew Stirk defeated Kirk Parry in round one by taking the tree in a double breakout win.  Round two had Andrew and Mark Herbold even off the line but Mark slowed, allowing Andrew to win with a 7.062.

Third round saw Kevin Orr with a slight advantage off the line but Andrew ran closer to the index to move into the semi-finals.  There he took out Gary Kerl running 7.006 to Gary’s 7.013.

The final round had Andrew set to face Bill Elekes.  But Bill bent a valve in the semi’s and couldn’t make the call giving Andrew the event win.

“I want to thank my mom (Elaine), dad (David), family friend Jerry Simson and especially my girlfriend Jess Hennings for all the help they give me with both the cars and the race series,” said Andrew.  “I also want to thank our race team fuel sponsor Renegade race fuels for their support.  Since switching to their fuel last year at this event when we won against Jon Jablonski, our throttle stop and bracket racing combos have improved drastically.  Now our consistency and predictability is the best it has ever been.”

Andrew said they had never run the Corvette on the 7.00 index before, so they had no data.  But in just three passes, they had it figured out.  “We were able to dial it in to go 7.009 in the second qualifier to take the number three position for lane choice going into eliminations,” he added.

Specialty Awards – June 8

• Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate – Number One Qualifier
  • Gary Kerl (Williamsville, NY) with a 7.006
• J&S Collision $50 – Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
  • Paul Young (Akron, NY) with a 7.014

Sunday June 9

It was a near perfect 7.005 that put David Surmatchewski in the number one qualifying position for Sunday’s event.  He beat George Mayer in round one and then past TNTSS champ Paul Young in round two with a strong starting line advantage and a 7.028 on the brakes.

Round three had Steve McCarrick with an .028 light.  But Dave’s .008 gave him the lead at the stripe as he pushed Steve under for the win.

A 7.007 pass on the bye run in the semi’s took Dave into the final to face TNTSS newcomer and Rookie of the Year contender, Ryan Boniferro.  Almost dead even on the tree, Ryan had a slight advantage with an .015 to Dave’s .017.  Out the back door, Dave pushed Ryan under in a double breakout win, 6.991 to 6.962.

“First and foremost, I want to thank my wife Alyson and my two lovely daughters Marissa & Madison for hanging in there and taking care of me so I can do my job in the seat,” he said.  “I would also like to thank my Mom and Dad, Norma and Roman for all their cheers and encouragement.”

Dave also wanted to thank Gary, Harry and Dylan for their help week after week, along with Joe’s Transmission and REVS Full Throttle Powersports for their continued support of the TNTSS.

Sponsors on the 1983 Olds Cutlass include Insta Insulation, Danny Douglas from Douglas Engines, Brady and staff at NAPA Brantford and Wakefield Castrol Canada.  “I couldn’t do any of this without their help,” Dave added.

Dave said he was excited to be back at TMP because he’s had some good luck there and was hoping he could repeat past successes.  “I was generally good on the tree throughout the weekend and was confident with the car’s abilities to run the number.  One thing I was committed to doing this weekend was to drive the stripe more aggressively.  After a winter off, I had taken for granted how tight it was necessary to be in order to go rounds in a series which is so highly competitive.  I had gambled a couple times out the big end and I was lucky enough to make it pay off.”

He mentioned that not only are the TNTSS competitors very good at this, but that they are also a great bunch of friends that he is proud to be associated with.  “On any day, each and every one of them is capable of winning one of these races and we all support each other regardless of the outcome.”

Dave went on to say, “One last thing, I believe I can speak on behalf of all TNTSS racers and friends in saying that we would like to wish Carol Barnes a speedy and full recovery after some recent health concerns.”

Visit www.tntsuperseries.com for all the latest information on the most watched sportsman drag racing series in the country.

Specialty Awards – June 9

• Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate – Number One Qualifier
  • David Surmatchewski (Oakland, Ontario) with a 7.005
• J&S Collision $50 – Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
  • Jim Thomson (Niagara Falls, Ontario) with a 7.003

2013 Joe’s Transmission TNTSS Championship Points Standings (TOP 10) – After 3 of 13

About the Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series (TNTSS):

Since it began in 2006, the TNT Super Series has grown into one of the strongest, most competitive sportsman drag racing series in North America and has catapulted many competitors to success on the national and divisional stages.

The TNTSS is a self-governing organization with input from its teams.  Based on NHRA’s Super Street & IHRA’s Hot Rod classes, competitors run on a 10.90 index in the 1/4 mile (7.00 in the 1/8 mile) and race for a guaranteed purse that pays back more than 100% of the racer’s entry fees.  The yearend points fund provides cash & prizes to the top eight finishers and the Series Champion receives a prize package worth over $4000.00.

The TNTSS is committed to providing the highest level of competition backed by solid media support to showcase its participants across North America.  Events are contested at various drag racing facilities in southern Ontario and western New York and put on a spectacular show for the drag racing fan.

About Joe’s Transmission

Joe Boniferro has owned and operated Joe’s Transmission Service in Niagara Falls, Ontario since 1984.  From the original single bay location, the business has progressed to a six bay, five employee automotive complex on Arthur Street.  The two storey building houses Joe’s Transmission (Commercial, Fleet and Performance Divisions) and Al’s Radiator Service.  They sell and install aftermarket high performance parts and accessories.  As a Firestone Dealer they sell and install drag racing tires.  Their specialty is building and repairing high performance transmissions.  Contact Joe and his team at (905) 374-6116 or visit them online at www.joestransmission.com .

Photos by: Stacee Kenington