Rob Holden wins TNTSS event at Grand Bend's Nitro Jam!

[Ted Barnes]

Local racer marches through record field to victory!

The car count was 35 when the first round ladder was printed in the Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series (TNTSS) event last Friday at Grand Bend's IHRA Nitro Jam. After six rounds of competition, it was Parkhill, Ontario's Rob Holden taking the victory along with the $1000 payout and a spot in the Trailer Shop/ERD Race of Champions (ROC).

A non-points race on the 2011 TNTSS schedule, the event - presented by Rosehill Auction House - drew a record number of cars. "Most of the Hot Rod cars on the property and a good portion of the Super Rod field took advantage of the opportunity," said Ted Barnes, TNTSS Director.

"A big thank you to the IHRA crew and the staff at Grand Bend Motorplex for making it possible to put on the largest event in TNTSS history. And hats off to Joe & Moe Passero at Rosehill Auction House and Joe Boniferro at Joe's Transmission for their ongoing support of the series."

Rob's march through the field started with Clinton, Michigan's Leo Zynda in round one. Almost identical on the tree, Rob won in a double breakout by a margin of .006 seconds.

Then Joe Bauman from Chesaning, Michigan missed the tree in second round and Rob easily took the win with a 10.970.

Third round saw #1 qualifier Budd Gilbert of Port Huron, Michigan put up a good fight with an .018 light, but Rob's .003 allowed him to take the win running a 10.913 to Budd's 10.876 breakout.

Pairing for the quarter final round had Ted Barnes of Canfield, Ontario in the other lane. Rob with the starting line advantage once again had the 2008 TNTSS Series champ on the trailer and gave Rob a bye into the final round.

There he met up with Binbrook, Ontario's Wayne Sipos in his 1959 Corvette. Neither driver was qualified for the ROC and both were looking for the $1000 pay day. The race ended at the starting line when Wayne went .008 red allowing Rob to coast through at 10.940 for the win.

"We want to thank our sponsors McGee Farm Services, Lewis Automotive in Parkhill, Hutch's Transmission in London and GPC Racing Engines in Strathroy," said Rob. "And to race a great friend, Wayne Sipos in the final couldn't have been more fitting. I also want to thank Ted Barnes, Joe's Transmission and Rosehill Auction House for a terrific series."

Rob won his first drag race in 1972 at St Thomas Raceway Park on a motorcycle. He and Marion have owned the 1990 Chevrolet S-10 pickup for seven years. It's powered by a 400 small block on alcohol built by GPC Racing Engines. The truck has earned the HOLD N' ON RACING TEAM the 2009 Mod ET track championship at St Thomas along with the 2010 Mod ET runner up at Grand Bend Motorplex.

Next stop on the 2011 Joe's Transmission TNT Super Series schedule is a double race weekend at St Thomas Raceway Park in Sparta, Ontario. Visit www.tntsuperseries.com for full event information.

Specialty Awards
Hoosier Tire Canada $100 certificate - Number One Qualifier
Budd Gilbert (Port Huron, MI) with a 10.901

J&S Collision $50 - Closest to the Index (1st Round Loser)
Dave Gunn (Hamilton, ON) with a 10.911

Grand Bend Motorplex FREE PASS - Best Reaction Time (1st Round Loser)
George Mayer (Niagara Falls, ON) with a .004