Ted Barnes chosen as DragRaceCanada.com's 2008 Sportsman Driver of the Year!
3/1/2009
Canfield, Ontario - Canada,
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For five years, DragRaceCanada.com has held an online poll to acknowledge top achievements in Canadian drag racing during the past season.  In 2008, the honour for Canadian Sportsman Driver of the Year went to Canfield, Ontario's Ted Barnes.  Driving a 383-cubic inch small block Chevrolet powered 1972 Datsun 510, Barnes has been drag racing for over 20 years.  The team, running under the banner of Performance Improvements Speed Shops in one of the longest racing relationships in Canada, was honoured to be nominated.  "Just to be nominated for this award was an accomplishment for me," said Ted.  "And to win it is absolutely fantastic!  This award means a ton because it is determined by the people, the racing community, competitors and fans alike."


Bob McJannett, the patriarch of the Performance  Improvements operation says he's proud to be a part of Ted Barnes Racing.  "Ted and his dad, Bill provide us with a positive presence at the drag races and any other place they go," said Bob.  "They carry our message with integrity and act as quality ambassadors for our company.  They are the kind of operation that we want as our representatives.  None better.  This award simply reminds us that we made the right decision when deciding who to sponsor."


Barnes started drag racing in the late 1980's at what was then known as Dragway Park in Cayuga, Ontario.  Over the years, he and his dad Bill have become very well known in the racing community.  Not only because of their on-track performance but also due to their off-track support of the fans and Canadian racing overall.


During his drag racing career, Barnes has earned dozens of event wins, over 500 round wins, four track championships, won an IHRA national event Ironman in Hot Rod class and most recently, was crowned the 2008 Joe's Transmission TNT Hot Rod Super Series champion.


In 2009, the Barnes team is looking to repeat as TNT champion and will compete in all 12 events, in addition to the IHRA national event at Grand Bend Motorplex.  See Ted, Bill and the entire Performance Improvements racing operation at the upcoming Motion Custom Car Show March 27-29 in Toronto, Ontario.


Both Ted and Bill are quick to mention – none of this would be possible without the continued support from their partners – including Performance Improvements Speed Shops (Toronto), Top Quality Transmission (Hamilton), Scott Conrad Racing Engines (Elora), F&M Signs (Stoney Creek), Steel City Spring (Hamilton), Hoosier Tire Canada (St Catharines) and Skyway Lawn Equipment (Hamilton).  Keeping things running smooth for the team are Pennzoil, Crane Cams, Wix Filters and Clevite Engine Parts.


Ted Barnes has been racing since 1987 and proudly representing Performance Improvements since 1992.  "This year is Performance Improvements' 45th anniversary and we're celebrating it with our best ever Midnight Sale on April 3rd," said Andy McJannett, Vice President of Performance Improvements.  "We will have a number of products selling for 1964 pricing!"  You can also see the Barnes team and numerous other special guests at their  45th anniversary Customer Appreciation Show n' Shine in Brampton, Ontario on Fathers Day, June 21st.  "There'll be more great deals in Brampton too!"   Keep an eye on www.performanceimprovements.com for details.


Stop by and say hello to Ted and Bill at various motorsports events across southern Ontario and western New York.  For complete info on the Barnes racing team including their 2009 event schedule, visit www.tedbarnes.com

 

Photo credit - Dale Boeru, CanadianDragRacingPhotos.com

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