Utica-Rome Forced To Cancel April 22nd Program; Opening Day Now April 29th

Story By: JOHN TIFF / UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY – VERNON, NY – Although temperatures have finally begun to rise, the wet weather that forced Utica-Rome Speedway to cancel last weekend’s practice session had continued. As a result, speedway officials have been forced to make the difficult decision to cancel this weekend’s racing program scheduled for April 22.

“With all the rain that has fallen this week we can’t get on the track,” said promoter Bill Shea. “Plus the parking lot and pit areas are just saturated. Unfortunately there is no way we can get the racing in this weekend.”

Luckily, it looks like next week the weather is finally set to turn with warmer temperatures and sunshine currently in the forecast which will allow the track maintenance team to get on the track and prepare for Sunday, April 29. On the schedule for the evening’s racing program are the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds, Broedel Energy DIRTcar Sportsman, the Rookie Sportsman and the only appearance in 2018 at the track by the DIRTcar Pro Stock Series which features a hefty $1,000 winner’s payday. Budwesier and VP Racing Fuels are the presenting sponsors of the night’s racing program.

The April 29 event now marks the opening round of points for all divisions, including the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds. The Modified high point man will earn $5,000 with the top 10 drivers sharing in a point fund of nearly $20,000.

On May 6, Utica-Rome Speedway is scheduled for the first PICK 4 Show of the season featuring the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds, Broedel Energy DIRTcar Sportsman, Ted’s Body Shop DIRTcar Pro Stocks and the Rookie Sportsman. A PICK 4 program means that all fans in attendance will be eligible to win prizes including free passes, food vouchers and much more.

Mother’s Day weekend (May 13) features the return of the New York 100 for the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series presented by St. Lawrence Radiology Serving Oneida Healthcare, Lewis County Hospital & Open MRI of Mohawk Valley LLC. The 100-lap feature will pay a cool $4,000 to the winner of the main-event. Joining the New Yorker 100 is a complete show for the Broedel Energy DIRTcar Sportsman, Ted’s Body Shop DIRTcar Pro Stocks and the Rookie Sportsman.

Racing on April 29 will get underway promptly at 6pm with grandstand gates opening at 3:30pm. Tickets for the grandstands are just $13 while it’s $10 for Seniors/Students/Military and kids under the age of 16 are free.