Driving his very unique Chevy-powered Datsun 510, Caistorville Ontario’s Ted Barnes finished fourth in the 2014 Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series championship points chase during 2015….
Barnes, who also happens to be the TNTSS Director of Operations, started the season with a runner-up finish at Empire Dragway and quickly followed that with a win at Lancaster. He held the points lead for few weeks then surrendered it on Labour Day weekend.
Barnes also finished fourth in the tightly contested Performance Improvements DRIVER OF THE YEAR Award, lubricated by Royal Purple with the average winning package for the season an impressive .041 seconds.
“I’m excited to finish where we did,” said Barnes. “We started the season very strong with two final rounds in the first three races but then we couldn’t close the deal in the second half. The car was working great but things just didn’t go our way.”
Barnes’ son Jackson ran his first full year in junior dragster competition finding the winner’s circle himself and landing a 7th place finish in the local junior dragster points chase.
“I have to thank my family – Cathy, Cassidy and Jackson – for being there for me and allowing me to be away many weekends in the summer. And my dad – The Clapper – and mom who have been behind me from the start many years ago,” he added. “This year, Jackson was key to our success. He’s an awesome crew chief and a talented driver!”
Barnes went on to thank Performance Improvements Speed Shops, Scott Conrad Racing Engines, Joe’s Transmission, Hoosier Tire Canada, F&M Signs, MSD Ignition, Crane Cams and Mahle.
“And the people behind the scenes in the TNT Super Series… Joe Boniferro and his family including Ryan and Pat… Anastazia Boniferro and Nicole Jablonski for keeping raceday operations on track… plus all the sponsors, racers and fans who make this series the best there is!”
The 1972 Datsun is powered by a 383 Chevrolet stroker small block, a Joe’s Transmission powerglide then a Moser rear and runs 10.40’s at 130 mph on a good day. “Scott (Conrad) did a lot of work in the off season to improve air flow through the combustion chamber and picked us up about a 1/10th and 1.5 mph… and that really helped racing the stripe!”
Stay close to www.tntsuperseries.com for everything you need to know about the most popular sportsman drag racing series in the country.
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
Photo by Darwin Kent – Post by Lewis Robinson
