Jamie Stoneman leads 2009 TNT Super Series into the final four events

Summer break allows for national & divisional event competition

CANFIELD, ONTARIO (July 24, 2009)  Competitors in the Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series have a few weeks off before they go back at it in the final four events of the season.  The twelve race series has completed eight events and resumes action on Friday August 21st at Dunn Tire Raceway Park (DTRP) in Lancaster, New York.  "The summer break was designed to allow TNT competitors the opportunity to go to NHRA and IHRA events in the area and not conflict with TNT dates," commented Ted Barnes, TNT Series Director.

The last pair of events on the July 3-4 weekend ended with the points battle as close as it's been all season.  Current points leader, Jamie Stoneman of Cheektowaga, NY has been struggling in recent weeks with mechanical issues although he has maintained the points lead.  Meanwhile Paul Young of Alden, NY has skyrocketed up the standings from 13th place just four races ago to currently sit in the second spot.  "Paul missed one of the Canadian races early in the year," added Ted.  "If he had even just shown up, the attendance points would have had him sitting in first right now.  That's how tough the competition is and why it's so important to be at every event."

Only 34 points behind Paul is a hornet's nest of drivers.  Ted Barnes (Canfield, ON) in third, fourth is Tom Coonly (Blasdell, NY) and Gary Kerl (Williamsville, NY) is fifth - all separated by only five points.  Then you've got Bill Elekes (West Seneca, NY) only another nine points back in sixth.  JJ Jablonski (West Seneca, NY), Fred Gross (Brampton, ON), Kirk Parry (North Tonawanda, NY) and Jim Flanigan (Holland, NY) round out the top ten.

With the series on its summer brake, quite a few regular TNT racers descended on Grand Bend Motorplex this past weekend for the 10th annual IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals.  One such competitor was Dave Surmatchewski of Oakland ON.  Dave is always a contender at TNT events and last Sunday, he and his Insta Insulation Olds Cutlass found their way to the final round at the IHRA national event.  In a squeaker of a final, Dave earned a runner-up finish to Tony Elrod (Harrod, OH) by a mere .007 second margin of victory.

The 2009 Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series returns on Friday August 21 to DTRP, then to Cayuga Dragway at Toronto Motorsports Park on Saturday September 5 and Sunday September 6 and will close off the season on Saturday October 3 back at DTRP.  Visit www.tntsuperseries.com for all the details.

Current Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series Points Standings (Top 10)