David Surmatchewski and Gary Kerl rise to the top in TNT Hot Rod

Double-header event showcases incredible talent in the sportsman series

CAYUGA, ONTARIO (September 9, 2009)  Sunny skies and warm temperatures prevailed this past weekend as the Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series invaded Cayuga Dragway for the Labour Day Weekend Blast.  Bieda's Powersports presented the double-header event that saw 21 of the best heads up sportsman racers square off.  When the smoke cleared, it was David Surmatchewski of Oakland, Ontario and Gary Kerl of Williamsville, New York left standing - both past winners in TNT Hot Rod.

In addition, Gary moved himself solidly into third place in the TNT points standings.  And the chase for the 2009 championship is narrowed down to two possible contenders.  "Mathematically it's between Jamie (Stoneman) and Paul (Young)," said Ted Barnes, TNT Series Director.  "Although there is still room for changes in who will end up in the top five and get the yearend cash."

Saturday Results

In the winner's circle Saturday was David Surmatchewski of Oakland ON taking out Tom Coonly from Blasdell NY.  Both drivers have had success at the national or divisional level - Dave with a recent runner-up appearance at the IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals in Grand Bend and Tom, a 2009 IHRA Tournament of Champions qualifier.  But this day, Tom went .007 red on the tree and ran it out to a 10.917 @ 130mph, handing the victory to Dave - who was ready with an .017 light and 10.885 @ 126mph pass.

Getting to the final, Dave defeated John Klassen (Straffordville ON) in round one with an .015 reaction time to John's .093.  This put Dave up against 2008 TNT Super Series champ, Ted Barnes (Canfield ON) in round two.  Almost dead even on the tree, Dave backed into Barnes' Datsun and took the win by only .004 seconds - running a 10.912 to a losing 10.920 effort.

Next up for the school teacher from Oakland was current series points leader Jamie Stoneman (Cheektowaga NY).  Jamie did everything right this day - qualified number one, earned the Bounty Hunter award, took out Paul Young in round two - but it all stopped in the quarter final round.  Starting line advantage to the Cutlass by .015 seconds turned into a win with Dave running 10.929 to Jamie's breakout 10.862.

Semi-finals brought Mark Herbold (Elma NY) and his hard-charging 147mph Corvette to the line.  An .012 red-light start for Mark meant Dave could run it out the back and prepare for the final round.

"I would like to thank my wife Alyson and my daughters Marissa & Madison for their support in being there," commented Dave after the race.  "In my opinion, this 'ultra competitive' series is one of the best things to happen in Southern Ontario / Western New York drag racing in years."  Dave was quick to thank the people who make the series happen.  "Ted & Bill Barnes and Russ & Arlene Parker do a great job running the series and thanks to Joe's Transmission and Bieda's Powersports for supporting the local grass-roots racers," Dave added.   

Support on the beautiful black Cutlass comes from Alex at Insta Insulation, Danny Douglas of Douglas Engines (Brantford ON) and Chris Coates from Forbes Brothers Chevrolet (Brantford ON).
  
"For my family and I, in addition to the pure competiveness, adreneline pumping excitement and fun this series generates is the value of all the cool people and families we have met and become friends with from both sides of the border," added Dave.

Specialty Awards - Saturday

• Hoosier Tire Canada $50 certificate - Number One Qualifier
  • Jamie Stoneman (Cheektowaga, NY) - 10.902
• J&S Collision $50 - Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
  • Roy Lister (Welland, ON) - 10.923
• Toronto Motorsports Park FREE PASS - Best Reaction Time (1st Round Loser)
  • Ken Jozwiak (Alden, NY) - .007
• DSE1 five gallons race fuel - Bounty Hunter - defeated Paul Young
  • Jamie Stoneman (Cheektowaga, NY)

Sunday Results

Gary Kerl of Williamsville, NY returned to the TNT winner's circle in his deep blue 1968 Camaro for the second time in 2009 and third in his TNT career.  He took out Paul Young of Alden, NY in a double break-out final round.  With a marginal .004 second advantage off the line to Gary, it was his 10.897 @ 123mph to Paul's 10.873 @ 137mph giving him the win light.  And although this final gave Paul the TNT points lead, Gary's win kept that lead at just 15 points.

On his way to the final, Gary defeated Kerry Kershaw (Tillsonburg ON) in round one with an almost perfect 10.902 to Kerry's 10.883.  In round two, he met multiple IHRA national event winner, Ken Jozwiak (Alden NY).  Slight starting line advantage to the Camaro (.029 to .037) and another near perfect 10.901 to Ken's losing 10.910.

Round three had Jamie Stoneman, who was still in the points lead - for now anyway.  Jamie went .007 red and gave the win to Gary.  This was not good news for Jamie as Paul Young won round three and was on his way to taking over the points lead.

Having the bye run in the semi's where he ran 10.901, Gary was set up to take on Paul Young in the final. At this point in the day, Paul had taken over the points lead but wanted nothing other than a win to solidify it.  Unfortunately for Paul, Gary had other plans - taking the win and moving himself up three spots to third place in the TNT championship standings.

"I have had a string of aggravating red lights the last couple of races.  I finally added delay to get enough into green that along with my car's consistency provided competitive runs," said Gary.  "The one bad run I had was due to a sudden big spike in humidity that affects my car which is on gasoline (vs. alcohol) but Jamie helped out in fixing that problem for me (he went red)."

Gary was quick to thank his brother Dennis and son Jeff for their ongoing help and support.  Jeff is the current points leader in Mod at Dunn Tire Raceway Park and will be representing that track in the Summit Super Series in Pittsburgh in late September.  "I also want to thank my son Greg who operates Greg Kerl Automotive.  His expert help is proven through my car's performance," added Gary.  Sponsors on the Camaro include Casey's Tavern, The Steer Restaurant & Saloon, Lake Effect Diner and Herbst Garage.

Specialty Awards - Sunday

• Hoosier Tire Canada $50 certificate - Number One Qualifier
  • Paul Young (Alden NY) with a perfect 10.900
• J&S Collision $50 - Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
  • Kevin Orr (Orangeville ON) with a 10.921
• Toronto Motorsports Park FREE PASS - Best Reaction Time (1st Round Loser)
  • Pete Maduri Jr - (Tonawanda NY) with a .004
• DSE1 five gallons race fuel - Bounty Hunter - defeated Dave Surmatchewski
  • Jamie Stoneman (Cheektowaga NY)

Current Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series Points Standings (Top 10) - With ONE Event Left