Surmatchewski Tops TNT Super Series Chase
It took five years — but history will show that Dave Surmatchewski finally took top points honours within the very popular Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series for 10.90 cars….
That’s how long it’s been since the Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series had its first Canadian event and Dave Surmatchewski took his 1983 Cutlass to victory in what was then, his first race in 10.90 trim.
Since those days, Dave has achieved a third place finish in the 2008 TNTSS points chase, a second place in 2010 and two runner-ups in IHRA competition. This year, the Oakland Ontario racer closed the deal and won his first Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series championship, bringing the title back to Canada for 2011.
Dave Surmatchewski
For Dave, the 2011 season was looking to be mediocre with only three top five qualifying efforts all year. Then in August he broke through and catapulted to the front of the pack. “I was qualifying ‘okay’, and had gone some rounds here and there but luck wasn’t going my way,” he said. “Things turned around when I won at St Thomas – a track where a final round win had eluded me for years.”
Then Dave put the field on notice during the Labour Day weekend double at Cayuga where he won on both days. “That track seemed to be a lucky spot for us in the past. The air was really bad, but the car was still able to produce good numbers each round and I could count on it at the stripe.”
He followed that up a week later with a win at the season finale at Empire Dragway. That added up to four event wins in 2011 and an impressive 751 points…a whopping 141 points from his closest competitor. Dave now holds the TNTSS record for the most final round appearances of all time at 12; with 8 of them being in the win column.
According to Dave, the most exciting win was Empire. “Having never been there, I was nervous because I realized the championship was on the line. Qualifying wasn’t great, however I was seeing the tree really well.” When he took out Scott Jahren and Mark Herbold went out, he knew he had won the championship. “It truly was a magical night for me, Alyson, Marissa & Maddy. Without their love and support, this wouldn’t be worth doing.”
Dave says you can’t win races in a series as tough as the TNTSS without help from a lot of people. “I have to thank Alex Schuts and Insta-Insulation. They’ve been my primary sponsor for the past three seasons and have stood by me,” added Dave. “And Danny Douglas at Douglas Engines Brantford for always putting me to the front of the list when I need his help and Brady Kelly and all the fine crew at UAP NAPA Brantford for their continued support over the years.”
Dave was quick to thank Joe Boniferro at Joe’s Transmission. “Joe has been a solid title sponsor since the beginning and is responsible for much of the success of the series. Along with all of the other TNTSS sponsors, they make this series what it is today.”
“I can’t forget Ted Barnes for creating the series, Russ and Arlene Parker and Bill Barnes for helping to run the series week after week,” he added. “I probably wouldn’t even be racing any longer if it wasn’t for the TNTSS.”
Dave’s Cutlass is 100% home-built including the engine, transmission, chassis and paint. Powered by a 377 CID Chev/DART based small block that makes over 600hp @ 8100 rpm, the 3370 lbs Olds has run a 10.19 @ 133mph. A 6100 stall converter takes the power through a Powerglide transmission to the 5.43 geared Ford 9″ and ultimately to the ground.
Look for Dave next season at all of the 2012 TNTSS events and at various IHRA Nitro Jam and Pro Am races.
Next up for the 2011 Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series is the year-end awards night taking place on Saturday November 12 at Johnny Rocco’s in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Visit www.tntsuperseries.com for complete details.
About Joe’s Transmission Service
Joe’s Transmission has been in business in Niagara Falls, Ontario since 1984. They sell & install high performance parts & accessories however their specialty is building & repairing high performance transmissions. Contact Joe and his team at (905) 374-6116 or visit them online at www.joestransmission.com .
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 stage.
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 Series Champion receives a prize package worth over $3500.00.
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.
Photo credit: Dale Boeru – www.CanadianDragRacer.ca
For more information please contact:
Lewis Robinson
TNT Super Series – Media Relations
