Thu, 10 Oct 2013, 07:02 AM Jablonski, Karosik Both Winners in TNT Super Series Weekend

Courtesy of Lewis Robinson Photo credit: Ted Barnes and Ron Rigby Championship points not settled with one race to go in 2013

LEICESTER, N.Y. --

JJ Jablonski

Empire Dragway in Leicester NY hosted two events in the Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series this past weekend, presented by Steve's Electric and Autos Direct of Buffalo. The 28 car fields saw points leader JJ Jablonski take Saturday and TNTSS newcomer Joe Karosik win on Sunday. Friday's event at Elegant Builders Raceway Park in Lancaster, NY was rained out and has been re-scheduled for Friday September 27th.

Saturday September 14 - Results
Going into the weekend with only 14 points over second place, championship points leader JJ Jablonski from West Seneca, NY lit five beacons and won his third TNTSS event in 2013.

Harris Phelps went red in round one followed by Jamie Stoneman doing the same in round two. Almost identical reaction times in round three (.503 to a .504) saw Jablonski run 10.916 and push Chris VanBaalen under to a 10.887.

In the semi's, Jim Thomson had a bit on the tree (.524 to .537) but again, the hard-charging Chevy of Jablonski pushed him under to a 10.898 effort.

The match-up for the money round was Greg Kerl in his first TNTSS final. Kerl left on Jablonski with a .511 to a .523 and took the stripe at the big end. But with both drivers running full out, Jablonski came out the winner in a double breakout 10.886 to 10.881, both cars over 150 mph.

This win gave Jablonski a commanding 71 point lead in his quest for a second consecutive TNTSS championship. Jablonski always thanks his wife Nicole and his sponsors Jason Vitez Race Cars, Jan Cen Racing Engines, Competition Transmission and Louie's Car Clinic. "I really got to thank Joe's Transmission for all they do and Steve's Electric for sponsoring today's race."

Specialty Awards - September 14
• Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate - Number One Qualifier
• Gary Kerl (Williamsville, NY) with a 10.900
• J&S Collision $50 - Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
• Harris Phelps (Marion, NY) with a 10.905
• Empire Dragway Super Pro FREE PASS - Best Reaction Time (1st Round Loser)
• Ted Barnes (Caistorville, Ontario) with a .507

Joe Karosik

Sunday September 15 - Results
Sunday had long-time drag racer Joe Karosik of Depew, NY go from #1 qualifier through the field to the winners circle. At the same time, points leader Jablonski lost early and the championship chase tightened right back up again.

In round one, Karosik tree'd Jason Oldfield .520 to .542 and carried it through to move to round two. There he took out Ryan Boniferro again on the starting line with a .525 to .539 advantage.

A single saw Karosik post a .513 10.916 package to ready him for the semifinal round against Larry Pulver. Yet again, Karosik left first with .514 and ran 10.920 to go into his first TNTSS final round.

There he faced Gary Saska who was having an equally good race day. When the tree lit up, Saska went red by .001 handing Karosik the event win. It would have been a race though with Karosik posting a ..516 10.887 to Saska's 10.861.

"I would like to thank my only sponsor Delacy Ford," Karosik said. "Also my wife Diane and children Jen and Steve. I would have never tried this without the advice of Super Street racer Joe Urbino. He is a great coach and advisor. At the track I have to thank Jason, Jim and Jeff Sobczynski for all their advice and support." Karosik also mentioned how much he appreciates the supporters of the TNTSS including Joe's Transmission and Autos Direct of Buffalo.

This is Joe Karosik's first win in the Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series. His ride is a 1972 Nova SS that he's owned for six years. It has a 406 small block freshened by Billy Leber and an ATI power glide built by Bob Bielaszka. Karosik was a bottom bulb Mod ET racer all his life winning four asphalt snowmobile class championships at Lancaster between 1998 and 2003. This is his first year with a delay box.

Specialty Awards - September 15
• Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate - Number One Qualifier
• Joe Karosik (Depew, NY) with a 10.901
• J&S Collision $50 - Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser) • Ted Barnes (Caistorville, Ontario) with a 10.901
• Empire Dragway Super Pro FREE PASS - Best Reaction Time (1st Round Loser)
• Steve McCarrick (Phelps, NY) with a .506

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