FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TNT 10.90 Super Series racers create ‘thunder at the beach’ during IHRA Pro Am!

Three of four semi-finalists hone their skills in highly competitive local series

GRAND BEND, ONTARIO (August 29, 2008)  IHRA’s first ever Pro Am divisional event in Canada at Grand Bend Motorplex on Aug 23-24 saw the competitors from the Joe’s Transmission TNT 10.90 Super Series taking full advantage.  Making it to the semi-final rounds in Hot Rod were THREE regular TNT racers - Fred Gross (Brampton ON), Dave Surmatchewski (Oakland ON) and Wayne Sipos (Binbrook ON).  All three are among the 35 drivers currently chasing the TNT points championship…looking for the yearend CASH and leather jackets among other things.

The Hot Rod class on Sunday was filled with heavy competition in every round.  Fred took his 468 powered ‘84 Camaro to victory in first round with a .006 light on a 10.927 pushing Dan Hawley under to 10.885.  Dave, currently 3rd in the TNT points chase, figured he drew the short straw when he saw his first round was Saturday’s Ironman winner Angelo Roberti.  After a timing system malfunction, Dave & Angelo had to re-run the round.  Dave came out on top - taking the win in his Insta-Insulation/Tri-Line Autoparts ‘83 Cutlass - mainly due to his .018 light to Angelo’s uncharacteristic .048.

Second round Fred drew TNT regular Gary Saska.  Unfortunately for Gary, he went .014 red on the tree and Fred took the win.  Mind you, Fred was on his game with a .012 light and running a 10.904 airing it out the back door.  Dave also had a tight package in round two with an .013 & 10.902 to move him into the semi-final round.

Fred slapped another great package together for a win in the semi’s with an .012 light & 10.903.  Dave drew Wayne Sipos - currently 6th in TNT points.  Dave’s .013 to Wayne’s .018 earned him the win in a double breakout (10.895 to Wayne’s 10.864).

In the final, Dave lit the red bulb by a mere .001 and Fred took an easy drive into the IHRA Pro Am winner’s circle.  Fred wanted to thank his crew for the weekend - his wife Carol & daughter Jennifer, David & Andrew Stirk from DSE automotive (he calls them true racing friends) and Paul McFadyen from Get Hooked Motorsports for his great engine and drivetrain work.  Fred also mentioned thanks to his crew for most of the season - Lou, Derek and Curley - who couldn’t make it this weekend.

The irony about Dave’s weekend was that he was actually planning to race on Saturday but couldn’t make it.  So when Sunday came around and the weather looked questionable, he almost didn’t go.  By the end of the day, he was going into the final round (but didn’t roll an extra .005 into the delay box like he contemplated!)  Dave wanted to mention the never-ending support he gets from his family – his wife Alyson and his daughters Marissa & Madison – He truly appreciates their patience with his racing adventures.  Dave was quick to mention the support he gets from his sponsors that makes it all possible - Alex Schuts at Insta-Insulation (Brantford On), Tri-Line Autoparts (Brantford On) and their suppliers, Castrol Canada and a special thanks to Danny & Don at Douglas Engines (Brantford On) for all their years of support.

About the TNT Super Series:

The Joe’s Transmission TNT 10.90 Super Series is based on NHRA’s Super Street & IHRA’s Hot Rod classes.  The 8 race series guarantees a minimum of $500 for an event win, pays round money for EVERY round win, has contingency sponsors and offers lucrative yearend rewards.  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

$50 event entry (plus spectator fee paid upon entry to track)

with 100% payback!

For complete TNT Super Series information including the 2008 schedule, visit www.tntsuperseries.com

Ted Barnes

Series Director