RPW Exclusive: Is The 358-Modified Gamble Paying Off For Fulton & Utica-Rome

Column By: DYLAN FRIEBEL / RPW – VERNON, NY – With costs of racing skyrocketing now-a-days, tracks are always looking for ways to help their racers.

Both the Fulton and Utica-Rome Speedway’s took steps over the off-season to do this and decided to fly under the DIRTcar 358-Modifeid banner rather than run the Big Blocks.

There were questions whether or not it would work. The simple answer…yes it has. Can it be improved? That answer is yes, too.

When I say can it be improved, I mean car counts. While every track around the country would hope for 30 to 35 cars in their headline division on a weekly basis, it just isn’t feasible in the current economy. In Central New York, the Big Blocks still reign supreme, while in the north country, the 358’s are the engine of choice.

It may be for tracks to change from Big Block to 358’s and see a spike in car counts, but the on-track product at both Fulton and Utica-Rome are what has each speedway excelling.

To many, the sound of a Big Block under power is intoxicating, but it’s becoming widely thought that the 358 version of our Northeast Modifieds put on a better show. I would have to agree, as the two shows I saw last weekend proved it in my eyes.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the Big Blocks just as much as anybody, but the two best shows I’ve ever seen at Utica-Rome were last year’s Super Dirt Week special and this past Sunday…the duel between Bobby Varin and Mike Mahaney.

My first show at Fulton Speedway was this past Saturday night. While I can’t wait to see some Big Blocks there for the Outlaw 200 this fall, and the Win-And-Your-In race during Super Dirt Week, I was very happy and excited by the show the 358’s put on there. I watched Pat Ward slowly work his way through the field and methodically pass cars left and right, using the extreme bottom on a very slick and slippery track surface.

It was great show and while a 30-car field would have been cool to see, it takes time. But to be honest, I don’t think they necessarily need that many cars to put on the amazing show they did.

It was the same with Utica-Rome. They had 20 358-Modifieds start the feature, but it was a diverse and deep field, boasting the likes of Ward, Mahaney, Marc Johnson and Billy Dunn to just name a few.

Despite what some may consider a low car count, don’t let that scare you away from heading to the track. They put on an amazing show and it was one that would be worth the price of admission. But remember one thing, that doesn’t include the support classes that also showcased great racing.

While Fulton and Utica-Rome took a gamble by switching to 358’s, they are starting to see their gamble pay off. If you haven’t seen a Small-Block-only only show in a while, you’re missing out. These are two great options at two great facilities. I suggest you do it.