FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Countdown to the 2011 TNTSS Championship - Third Place - Scott Jahren and Gerry Bartel
TONAWANDA, NEW YORK (October 27, 2011) For the sportsman drag racing team of Scott Jahren and Gerry Bartel, the 2011 season started with one goal in mind – to take Gerry’s 1973 Chevy Nova to the top of the field in the Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series.
Early in the season, they were regularly going rounds against some very tough competition. Then a late season charge catapulted them to a third place finish in what has become one of the most popular 10.90 series in the country.
To get there, they were smart in qualifying; scoring four top five’s including a number one. Add to that on-track performances that consisted of a semi-final and an event win along with many late round appearances and the pair gathered a stout 596 points.
There were quite a few highlights this season for the team. "For me it has to be the September 9th event at Dunn Tire Raceway Park," said Scott. He qualified the car in the number one spot that night and then drove it through the field to take his first TNTSS event win; gathering the maximum points during a TNTSS event.
While most of the driving in 2011 was Scott, Gerry had some turns behind the wheel. The IHRA Nitro Jam weekend at Grand Bend saw Gerry drive the car in the TNTSS event that Friday night. After qualifying second with a 10.902, Gerry proceeded to take out one of IHRA's heavy hitters in round one.
In Sunday's Nitro Jam event, it was Scott's turn and he drove the car to a runner-up finish in Hot Rod; something he credits the TNTSS for. "Without all the seat time and data from the TNTSS events, it would be a lot harder to be competitive on a national level," added Scott.
Scott was quick to thank Joe Boniferro of Joe's Transmission and Gerry (Bartel) - who owns The Balancing Act - for everything they do to keep the car running. "Also Jeff Gregoire who wired the car and Zach from Quick Fuel for their help. And two guys who help me tremendously with all my racing efforts are Rich Yacos and John Christie.”
Gerry says things really came together at the end of the season. "I want to thank my business partner Terry Thomas. And all the sponsors of the TNTSS," added Gerry. "Joe, Ted, Bill, Russ and Arlene...the list goes on. Without all these people, none of this would be possible."
The partnership on the car started a couple of years ago. Scott says he knew the car would be competitive in 10.90 competition. "I copied the setup from my dragster for things like the fuel system, throttle stop settings, etc and it works well. We basically have two completely different setups for the car - one for each driver."
Gerry has owned the Nova since 1988 and has taken it through various updates including the complete chassis and most recently, an impeccable paint job applied by Scott Jahren in his Tonawanda shop. With a 509 cid under the hood making 680 hp, the Nova is capable of quarter mile runs in the 9.30 range at 145mph.
Sponsors on the Nova include The Balancing Act, Joe's Transmission and Niagara Performance Diesel.
For 2012, the team plans to return to TNTSS competition and are looking forward to competing in their first Race of Champions next September. Gerry hopes to drive a bit more and Scott is also planning on some Quick 32 and Super Comp events with his dragster.
Next up for the 2011 Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series is the year-end awards night taking place on Saturday November 12 at Johnny Rocco's in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Visit www.tntsuperseries.com for complete details.
About Joe's Transmission Service
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 .
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 stage.
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 Series Champion receives a prize package worth over $3500.00.
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.
Photo credit: Dale Boeru - www.CanadianDragRacer.ca
For more information please contact:
Lewis Robinson
TNT Super Series - Media Relations
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