Canada’s Jim Thomson was crowned the Performance Improvements DRIVER OF THE YEAR, lubricated by Royal Purple in the 2014 Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series……
After a season filled with multiple late round appearances, Thomson, who is from Niagara Falls, Ontario, earned the title with an impressive average winning package of 0.035 seconds to take home a 2015 Royal Purple sponsorship valued at over $2500.00.
Thomson missed the first race of the season at Empire Dragway but didn’t let that slow him down. He went rounds in eliminations at all but two races in 2014.
Couple that with a win at Lancaster on August 22 and a runner-up that same weekend at Empire on August 24 and he found himself in a tie atop the DRIVER OF THE YEAR standings with the 2014 TNTSS points champion, Jason Vitez. The tie-breaker was the driver who went rounds at more events in 2014.
The DRIVER OF THE YEAR award is done differently than most drag racing accomplishments. It is meant to showcase the most consistent sportsman driver. It is based solely on a driver’s package (reaction and ET) but only from rounds they win. Breakouts and red-light wins don’t count so the winner has to be good on the tree AND good at the stripe.
There were 53 drivers in the 2014 TNT Super Series yet only 10 qualified for this award by the end of the season. That’s how competitive it is.
“I have to say that since I have been running the Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series, I am getting more comfortable running these tracks and the other competitors,” said Thomson. “My car ran good this year with a few minor problems but other than that we did ok.”
Thomson went on to say how winning DRIVER OF THE YEAR is most certainly a highlight of his racing career. “I have to thank Performance Improvements and Royal Purple for supporting such a unique award, along with all of the sponsors who contribute to this series. Also Ted Barnes and Joe Boniferro for the work they do to put it all together.”
“Thanks to my family RaeAnn, Jim Jr. and Curt for their support. My brother Rob Thomson (Four Seasons Roofing) and Joe Boniferro (Joe’s Transmission) for their continued support. It is very much appreciated. And I can’t leave out Kevin Goodacre for being there to line me up.”
To learn more about how the Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series continues to bring innovative awards to the sportsman drivers and for the 2015 schedule, visit www.tntsuperseries.com and sign up for the mailing list.
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 .
About Performance Improvements Speed Shops:
Performance Improvements Speed Shops has locations across southern Ontario. In business since 1964 with 2 generations of Canadian ownership, PI is a leader in aftermarket automotive parts & accessories. Their annual Midnight Sale demonstrates their on-going commitment to delivering the best value & advice in the industry to automotive enthusiasts. Visit them online at www.performanceimprovements.com or call 1-877-471-6700 to locate the store in your neighbourhood.
About Royal Purple Synthetic Oil:
Royal Purple manufactures high performance lubricants for most automotive, industrial, marine, motorcycle and racing applications. It is considered the best synthetic oil by many end users. Royal Purple synthetic oil and synthetic lubricants are formulated to maximize performance in real world applications. Numerous independent parties report performance gains by using Royal Purple lubricants. Additive technologies, such as Synerlec, enable Royal Purple synthetic products to outperform leading synthetic and conventional lubricants. These unique chemistries strengthen the base oil for improved performance. Visit www.royalpurple.com for more information.
Photos by: Mary Neffke and Ron Rigby
Post by: Lewis Robinson
