LEICESTER, NEW YORK (May 29, 2013) The Joe’s Transmission TNT Super Series finally got the 2013 season started at Empire Dragway this past Saturday May 25th and did it in a huge way. After two rained out attempts to start the season, a record thirty-five cars qualified for the Steve’s Electric event.The Memorial Day weekend was supposed to see two TNTSS events however Mother Nature scrapped Friday night’s race in Lancaster, NY leaving just Saturday at Empire.
When qualifying was complete, rookie contender Ryan Boniferro from Niagara Falls, Ontario sat atop the field with a near perfect 7.004.
After six rounds of eliminations, it was Webster, New York’s Sam LoVetro Jr coming from the eleventh qualifying spot to take the $1000 event win and solidify his position in the Dilts Piston Hydraulics Race Of Champions coming up in August. At the same time, Sam ran seven rounds in Super Pro and got a runner-up finish there.
In TNTSS round one, Sam faced off against Chuck Nagy who gave it away by going red. Then in round two, it was TNTSS newcomer Greg Kerl cutting a .514 light to a .510, with Sam taking the round in a double breakout. Harry Phelps was next to go down in round three when Sam laid down a .526 / 7.006 package.
A bye run took Sam to the semi-finals against Jeff Sobczynski. Another double breakout with Sam having the starting line advantage and running 6.997 moved him into the final.
On the other side of the ladder it was Canadian Kevin Orr marching through names like Jerry Stoutenberg, Gary Stowell, Harris Phelps and Ryan Boniferro on his way to the final round.
When the .500 pro tree came to life, Sam had his work cut out for him cutting a .520 light to Kevin’s .505. But Kevin took too much stripe and broke out with a 6.983 to Sam’s near perfect 7.006, giving Sam his third victory in TNTSS competition.
“This was the best performance of my life,” said Sam. “I haven’t had a better weekend at the races, ever.”
“Going in to the Hot Rod final, I had just run the semi’s in Super Pro and had no time to fuel or charge the car. Luckily it was a cold night so cooling wasn’t an issue.”
“I want to thank everyone involved in the TNT Super Series including Ted Barnes for organizing this deal, series title sponsor Joe’s Transmission and Steve’s Electric for sponsoring tonight,” he added. Sam also thanked all of the racers and sponsors who make the TNT Super Series possible.
Sam was quick to mention special thanks to Art Jones and Al Bueg for helping him with crew duties while he raced in both classes. “Those two guys were invaluable!”
The 1966 Nova has a 434 small block Chevrolet for power. “I also have to mention the work Mike Mastin Race Engines out of Livonia, NY does for me. The engine performed flawlessly through thirteen rounds of competition,” added Sam.
With two TNTSS events now cancelled due to weather, stay tuned to www.tntsuperseries.com for information on potential re-scheduled dates, along with all the latest information on the most watched sportsman series in the country.
Specialty Awards:
Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate – Number One Qualifier: Ryan Boniferro (Niagara Falls, Ontario) with a 7.004
J&S Collision $50 – Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser): Larry Pulver (Palmyra, NY) with a 7.008
Dunn Tire Raceway Park FREE PASS – Best Reaction Time (1st Round Loser): George Mayer (Niagara Falls, Ontario) with a .503
2013 Joe’s Transmission TNTSS Points Standings (TOP 10) – After 1 of 13:
1. Sam LoVetro Jr- 121
2. Kevin Orr-105
3. Ryan Boniferro-86
4. Jeff-Marc Sobczynski Vezina- 80
5. Mark Glomb- 77
6. David Surmatchewski- 72
7. Greg Kerl- 64
8. Tom Coonly- 63
9. Harry Phelps- 62
10. Roy Brockway- 61
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 provides cash & prizes to the top eight finishers and the Series Champion receives a prize package worth over $4000.00.
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 .
For more information please contact:
Lewis Robinson/ TNTSS – Media Relations
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