TNT Super Series top five in 2009 - Tom Coonly - Fifth Place

2009 season filled with accomplishments for WNY racer

BLASDELL, NY (December 8, 2009)  When Tom Coonly started the 2009 drag racing season, he was prepared to do well - but never would have guessed how much success he'd have.  With an average qualifying spot of ninth and many late round appearances, Tom earned a fifth place finish in the 2009 Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series.  And as an added bonus, he was well prepared for IHRA divisional competition.

Competitive in both 1/8 mile and 1/4 mile settings, the Blasdell NY based racer had his first career event win at the July 3rd Dunn Tire Raceway Park event.  Then another final round appearance - this time a runner up - at Cayuga Dragway on Labor Day weekend.

Tom has only been racing for a few years and has quickly made his mark on the local sportsman scene.  In 2009, he earned his first IHRA Ironman and a spot in the highly coveted IHRA Tournament of Champions where he'll race for a World Championship.  "My biggest accomplishment I would have to say was the IHRA sportsman national win this August in Pittsburgh," commented Tom.  "The car was awesome all day and having the seat time in the TNT Super Series really helped!"

The 1975 Chevy Nova is powered by a 461 big block which sends over 650hp through the Powerglide transmission.  With the chassis updated by Jason Vitez Racecars, the Nova has proven to be a dependable, consistent racecar.  

Tom gets lots of help from his friends Jeff Gregoire, Jamie Stoneman, Jon Jablonski, the Flanigan brothers Jim, John and Dan, Sam Christian and the Gregoire brothers.  "I have to thank Jason Vitez Racecars, Phils Quality Auto, Bison Power Washing and Gillogly Resale & Trailer Sales," Tom added.

Looking ahead to 2010, Tom will make the trip to Rockingham for the Tournament of Champions and will run the full schedule in the Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series.  "We're freshening things up of course, looking for a few extra mph and more final rounds!"

The 2010 TNT schedule is already taking shape with 12 events planned similar to 2009. Stay tuned to www.tntsuperseries.com for the latest in series news and information.