Empire Super Sprints & Sportsman Shootout Series Set For This Week At Utica-Rome
Story By: JOHN TIFF / UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY – VERNON, NY – Utica-Rome Speedway is hoping this Sunday, May 26 is the day that the weather gods finally give us the go ahead for racing after the first six scheduled events of 2019 have been rained out.
Slated for Sunday’s program presented by Broedel Fuel Group and VP Racing Fuels is the first appearance by the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints. The last time the traveling organization visited Utica-Rome Speedway Matt Tanner drove his way to the Central New York Speedweek finale victory. He’ll be joined by former winners at the track including Chuck Hebing, who has eight series wins at Utica, Jason Barney, Steve Poirier plus many more.
Sunday’s event serves as the final tune-up race prior to the Sprint Cars returning on June 23 for the running of the Cole Cup which is highlighted by a 50-lap finale with $5,000 going to the winner. That event is powered by Donath Motor Worx.
The VP Racing Fuels Summer Shootout Series is slated to kick-off on Sunday as well after being rained out the past two attempts. The Broedel Fuel Group DIRTcar Sportsman drivers will be competing for $1,000 to win in their 30-lap feature. Drivers will draw for heat race starting spots with a redraw being utilized to line up the first few rows of the feature.
Also in action this coming Sunday is the DirtTrackDigest.com DIRTcar 358-Modifieds. Their feature is slated for 30-laps in distance. The Ted’s Body Shop DIRTcar Pro Stocks and Bernie’s Extreme Performance Parts Rookie Sportsman round out the racing card.
Pit gates on Sunday will open at 3 pm while spectator gates swing open at 3:30 pm with the heat races beginning promptly at 6 pm for opening night. Adult general admission for the opener is set for $22, Senior/Military/Students are $20 while kids 16 and under are only $5. Pit admission for the night is $35 for DIRTcar members and $40 for non-members.
