FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bill Elekes returns to the TNT Super Series winner's circle; Jon Jablonski takes 2012 points championship

Staff at Empire Dragway gave 110% and made the sun shine!

LEICESTER, NEW YORK (October 3, 2012)  The 2012 season in the Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series wrapped up this past Sunday at Empire Dragway with Bill Elekes of West Seneca, NY taking the event win and pocketing $1000 plus contingency for his efforts.  At the same time, Jon (JJ) Jablonski - also from West Seneca, NY - capped off a spectacular season by earning his first TNT Super Series championship.

The race to close out the sixth TNTSS season was presented by The Sister Act Band and was re-scheduled from September 8th due to rain.  But this one almost didn't happen either as it was raining in the early morning and the track wasn't drying.  "We finally got on the track about 1:00 and then at 2:00 we got rain in the shut down," said Ted Barnes, TNTSS Director.  "So the race was shortened to 1/8th mile and the Empire Dragway team did a great job getting it done."

Bill started the day qualified dead last and then he proceeded to take the field to school on how to win a drag race.  In round one, he put out former TNTSS series champion Ted Barnes with a starting line advantage, both cars running 7.02 at the stripe.

Round two saw Bill leave with a .512 light to Roy Lister's .505.  Bill overcame the starting line by running a 7.011 to Roy's 7.044, advancing him into the semi-finals. 

There he faced Gary Saska and according to Bill, this is where he got his lucky round.  He was .511 to Gary's .522 but Bill couldn't catch him so he let him go at the stripe and Gary broke out by the smallest of margins, running a heart-breaking 6.999 to Bill's 7.051.

In the final, Bill was set to face reigning TNTSS champion David Surmatchewski.  David, who was unbeaten in TNTSS competition at Empire up to this point, left the line with a .535.  Unfortunately for Dave, Bill was on the tree today with a .510 and then proceeded to take the stripe and the win running 7.011 to Dave's losing 7.009.

“A huge thank you to my good friend Chris Tucker who trusts me to drive his race car,” said Bill in the winner’s circle.  “Of course I couldn’t do any of this without my wife Pam & my daughters Stephanie and Rachel behind me.  And Stephanie’s boyfriend Mike Prescott is a huge help as well.”

"I want to thank Tom's Performance in Orchard Park, NY for keeping this 510 cid a reliable piece.” 

The 150 mph 1995 Beretta is sponsored by Autos Direct of Buffalo.  “I can’t thank my team at the shop enough – JJ Jablonski and Tom Coonly.”

Bill was quick to mention how much he appreciates having this series to race in.  "This deal is the best series around.  The racing keeps you on top of your game and the people are a good group.  Thanks to Joe Boniferro and Ted Barnes for six years of TNT and thanks to Roy Lister for sponsoring today's race."

Bill almost didn't show up for the race on Sunday.  "You know on my way here it was pouring rain.  I got two miles from the track and called Tommy (Coonly) and said I was turning around.  Tommy told me not to, said it wasn't raining here.  I couldn't believe it!"

The sixth annual TNTSS Awards Night will be held at Johnny Rocco's Italian Restaurant in Niagara Falls, Ontario on Saturday November 10th.  Seating is limited and last year's event was jammed so get there early!  For everything you need to know about the most popular sportsman drag racing series in the country, visit www.tntsuperseries.com .

Specialty Awards

• Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate - Number One Qualifier
  • Sam LoVetro (Webster, NY) with a 7.018
• J&S Collision $50 - Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
  • Ted Barnes (Caistorville, Ontario) with a 7.021
• Empire Dragway FREE PASS - Best Reaction Time (1st Round Loser)
  • Peter VanBaalen (Wellandport, Ontario) with a .505

2012 Joe's Transmission TNTSS Points Standings (TOP 10 of 64) - FINAL

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 stages.

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 points fund pays the top five finishers and the 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.

About Joe's Transmission

Joe Boniferro has owned and operated Joe's Transmission Service in Niagara Falls, Ontario since 1984.  From the original single bay location, the business has progressed to a six bay, five employee automotive complex on Arthur Street.  The two storey building houses Joe's Transmission (Commercial, Fleet and Performance Divisions) and Al's Radiator Service.  They sell and install aftermarket high performance parts and accessories.  As a Firestone Dealer they sell and install drag racing tires.  Their specialty is building and repairing high performance transmissions.  Contact Joe and his team at (905) 374-6116 or visit them online at www.joestransmission.com .

Photo credit: Ron Rigby

For more information please contact:

Lewis Robinson

TNTSS - Media Relations

lewis@tntsuperseries.com

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