Jim Thomson wins TNT Super Series Championship

Tom Coonly wins Race of Champions – Thomson, Jablonski win Races 9 & 10

NIAGARA FALLS, ON – The TNTSS Championship Weekend presented by Sam LoVetro Automotive did not disappoint. Jim Thomson from Niagara Falls, Ontario scored the 2016 Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series championship with a dominating win on Friday at Lancaster Dragway. Then on Saturday at Empire Dragway, Blasdell New York’s Tom Coonly topped the field in the REVS Full Throttle Powersports RACE OF CHAMPIONS and JJ Jablonski from Alden, New York won the final TNTSS race of the season.

Jim Thomson wasted no time in his chase for the title qualifying #1 with a 7.002. Then he marched through the field – running 7.00 five of the seven times he went down the track – to win the event and clinch the points title before the night was done.

A bye run in round one set him up to face two-time TNTSS champion, JJ Jablonski in round two. Thomson had the tree (.512 to .523) and carried the lead through to the stripe when both drivers peddled it and posted identical 7.023’s. He paired with Larry Pulver next, had the tree by .015 and ran dead 8 for the W.

In the semi’s, it was another former TNTSS champion Dave Surmatchewski. Thomson drilled the tree with a perfect .500 to a .531 and ran 7.008 to a 7.009 for another beacon.

The money round was Thomson against Bill Elekes. Thomson was behind by .019 off the line but that didn’t matter as he ran dead 3 to Elekes’ 7.031 to win the night and lock up his first championship in the highly competitive sportsman series.

“I would like to thank my wife (Raeann) and sons (Jimmy and Curt) for supporting me,” said Thomson. “I need to thank Joe Boniferro of Joe’s Transmission and my brother Rob at Four Seasons Roofing for the support they give me every year. Also Kevin Goodacre for keeping an eye out in the burnout.”

He was quick to say thanks to Sam LoVetro for sponsoring the weekend and to Joe Boniferro & Ted Barnes for putting on a great series. “Can’t forget Nicole Jablonski and Charlene Lepp for helping out on race days.”

Saturday’s action saw JJ Jablonski win the final race in the 2016 TNTSS season. He returned Friday’s favour and put out Thomson in round one with a .011 to a .021 light running 7.017 to Thomson’s 7.009, a close .002 MOV.

Mike Sobczynski’s .003 red light in round two advanced Jablonski to face Ryan Boniferro in round three. Both drivers killed the tree with Jablonski having a slight lead (.001 to .006) and then running identical 6.979 ET’s, Jablonski getting the W.

This gave him a bye to the final where he paired with Harry Phelps. Jablonski missed the tree and Phelps was .008 but luck was on his side as Phelps couldn’t run the number and Jablonski coasted to a 7.054 victory.

“Thanks to my wife Nicole, my mother Halina, Jason Vitez, Jeff Gregoire, Joe Boniferro and Ted Barnes.” Sponsors on the 1967 Nova include Jason Vitez Race Cars, Jan-Cen Racing Engines and Competition Transmission.

“Labor day weekend I always race with my dad riding along with me. This year marked the 14th year since his passing. I definitely needed the luck with a couple rounds that I was not stellar on the tree – a close one with Ryan Boniferro and to beat Mr 7.00 himself, Jim Thomson.”

Jablonski went on, “I love the series and the guys that run in it. Jason (Vitez) and I struggled a bit this year but are looking forward to next year.”

Tom Coonly – photog Ron RigbyRACE of CHAMPIONS Results

Later that night, the annual REVS Full Throttle Powersports TNTSS RACE OF CHAMPIONS hit the track. This free race is open to all past TNTSS event winners and pays $1200/win and $400/ru. Tom Coonly from Blasdell, New York bested the field and took the win in style.

He hit Steve McCarrick with a six total package in round one (.006 tree and 7.000) advancing to face Harry Phelps. There he was late with a .009 to Phelps’ .002 light but won in a double breakout 6.994 to 6.989. In the semi’s Billy Ryan tried with a better .017 to a .032 light but Coonly pushed him under to a 6.997 versus a 7.005.

The final round had Coonly against Dave Surmatchewski. Coonly went trip zip (.000) on the tree to Surmatchewski’s .035 putting him out in front and he never looked back, taking the stripe with a 7.032 to a 7.019 and pocketing the $1200 cash purse.

“I’m glad to get that monkey off my back!” said Coonly. “Been a long time since I’ve been in the TNTSS winner’s circle! Have to thank Jamie Stoneman, Jeff Gregoire and Pete D’Agnolo.” Sponsors include Phil’s Quality Auto Service, Autos Direct of Buffalo and Data Clutch Throttle Stop Data Acquisition Tool. “Also want to thank Ted, Joe and REVS Full Throttle Powersports for the whole deal.”

Specialty Awards – Friday

Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate – Number One Qualifier
Jim Thomson with a 7.002
J&S Collision $50 cash – Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
Art Jones with a 7.005
VP Fuels $50 certificate – Closest to the Index (2nd Round Loser)
Dave Gunn with a 7.016
VP Fuels $50 certificate – Closest to the Index (3rd Round Loser)
Joe Karosik with a 7.030

Specialty Awards – Saturday

Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate – Number One Qualifier
Mike Sobczynski with a 7.001
J&S Collision $50 cash – Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
Jim Thomson with a 7.009
VP Fuels $50 certificate – Closest to the Index (2nd Round Loser)
Dave Gunn with a 7.012
VP Fuels $50 certificate – Closest to the Index (3rd Round Loser)
Billy Ryan with a 7.006

To learn more about the Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series and how you can become a part of it, visit www.tntsuperseries.com or www.facebook.com/TNTSuperSeries and sign up for the mailing list.