TNT Super Series Celebrates 2010 Season
Record-breaking evening caps a record-breaking season!
By: Lewis Robinson
The Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series gathered at Johnny Rocco’s in Niagara Falls on November 20th to celebrate their fourth season. Almost 60 people were there to mark the many successes and milestones the 10.90 drag racing series saw in 2010.
“There are so many people we need to thank that I can’t possibly mention them all,” commented Ted Barnes, TNT Series Director. “Everyone involved in this series plays a role in making it what it is. It gets bigger every year with more racers, more fans and more sponsor support.”
Highlights from 2010 include the first six round race with 33 cars at Dunn Tire Raceway Park in June. In fact, most of the races had car counts in the mid to upper twenty’s with forty-six teams competing in the points. And the series had five ‘first-time’ event winners this year too.
“The series has really turned into a spring board for success on the national and divisional level,” added Ted. It started back in the spring with TNT racer Tom Coonly running in the IHRA Tournament of Champions. Then TNT regulars, Jeff Sobczynski, Jon Jablonski and Bill Elekes all won IHRA Pro Am events. And to top it off, Jon Jablonski went on to win the IHRA Division 1 Pro Am Championship.
The banquet was to honor the 2010 Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series champion – Pete Maduri Jr – who put on a spectacular performance in his 1975 Monza. Placing second in the points was Oakland, Ontario’s Dave Surmatchewski and his 1983 Cutlass. Mark Herbold from Elma, NY drove his 1994 Corvette to third place while Canfield, Ontario’s Ted Barnes finished in fourth in his 1972 Datsun. Bill Elekes from West Seneca, NY took his 1975 Monza to fifth.
Rounding out the top ten are Chris VanBaalen (Wellandport, ON), Fred Gross (Brampton, ON), Wayne Sipos (Binbrook, ON), Jon Jablonski (West Seneca, NY) and Scott Jahren (Tonawanda, NY).
Series title sponsor, Joe Boniferro, was on hand to dole out the yearend prizes. “I can’t thank Joe enough,” said Ted. “His continued support of the series and his friendship is very important to me.”
“And Russ & Arlene Parker – They have become a key piece of the TNT Super Series.” Russ & Arlene were presented with a token of appreciation from the TNT competitors – dinner, a show and an overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza hotel, including spending money – all taken from a collection by the racers themselves.
Then there was the champion’s prize package that everyone was racing for and this year, it was exceptional. Pete Maduri Jr walked away with over $3500 in cash and prizes – thanks to Joe’s Transmission, Mickey Thompson tires, DRE Engine Diapers, MSD Ignition, Leaf Racewear, Competition Transmission & Converters, Gor-Den Automotive and Fast Eddie Racewear.
But the story of the night was the prize table. With a few thousand dollars worth of prizes on it, everyone got to go home with something great – thanks entirely to sponsor support.
Event sponsors are vital to the success of each event. “Without them, the guaranteed payouts would be impossible.” The 2010 event sponsors were Kevin Orr Mechanical, The Second City Toronto, JanCen Motorsports, Gillogly Resale, Steve’s Electric, Bieda’s Powersports, 24 Hour Tire Service, Rosehill Auction House and Scott Jahren Paint. Associate sponsors include Performance Improvements, J&S Collision, Hoosier Tire Canada, The Balancing Act, along with Dunn Tire Raceway Park , Empire Dragway and Cayuga Dragway.
“Tonight is the perfect example of why we run this series,” said Ted. “These guys are ruthless competitors on the racetrack but off the track, they have nothing but respect for each other. They’re just great people!”
Special Awards:
Elite Finalist Award – Fuel system – courtesy Weldon Pump & Jiffy-tite – Pete Maduri Jr
Ladies Gift Basket – courtesy Russ & Arlene Parker – Cathy Boniferro
2011 will be the fifth year for the TNT Super Series and the schedule is already taking shape. Stay tuned to www.tntsuperseries.com for the latest in series news and information or check us out on Facebook.
About the TNT Super Series:
The Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series www.tntsuperseries.com began in 2006 and is entering its fifth full season in 2011. Based on NHRA’s Super Street & IHRA’s Hot Rod classes, the multi-event series runs on a 10.90 index in the 1/4 mile (7.00 in the 1/8 mile), guarantees a MINIMUM of $500 for an event win and pays round money for EVERY round win. Competing at facilities in southern Ontario and western New York, there are only two exceptions to the rulebook – no weight minimum and left-hand drive open-bodied cars are allowed.
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
Photo credit: Ted Barnes
