By Dean Reynolds
In what has become one of the most stable and successful Sunday night dirt track facilities in the Northeast, the Utica-Rome Speedway has even entered the new decade with even more specials to offer to the fans on top of an already strong weekly program. It all starts at the top with track owner and promoter Gene Cole.
Gene is a businessman by trade and a dirt track fan by heart. Is Utica-Rome successful? Yes. Does it make money? Yes…But, whatever comes out on top gets thrown right back into the facility. New, high rise, protective fencing was this year’s big investment to protect spectators and competitors alike.
The track first opened in 1961 with an 1/8th mile dragway added one year later (rumors has it that the dragstrip will be coming back to life). Through several promoters and sanctions, the ½ mile oval has remained strong as an independent under Cole’s leadership which he has done since 2002.
The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) will once again anchor all three holiday weekends, a tradition that has gone on since 2003. But the specials are just starting, the big block modifieds will he highlighted by the Victoria 200 and the New Yorker 200, two events that pay $10,000 to win and $1,000 to start. Several “Thunder on the Thruway” events in conjunction with the Fonda Speedway are also held. To cap off the schedule will be visits by both the Lucas Oil Late Model Series and the All-Star Circuit of Champions sprint car series where many ESS stars will be on hand.
ESS drivers of local interest will be Tommy Wickham, Jason Barney, Dan Kaszubinski, Shawn Donath, Dave Wickham, Joe August and rookie Zach Weigand.
For more information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints please visit www.empiresupersprints.com
ESS Facts – Utica-Rome Speedway:
ESS Events Run: 37
Different Winners: 23
Most Wins: Dan Kaszubinski (4)
Last Event Run: Sept. 6, 2009
Most Recent Winner: Jason Barney
Fonda Facts:
Location: Exit 33 off I-90, Follow signs to Vernon, NY, East on Rte. 5
ESS Date(s): May 30th, July 4th and Sept. 5th
Track Promoter: Gene Cole
Track Phone: (315) 829-4557
Website: www.uticaromespeedway.com
Sites of Interest:
Turning Stone Resort and Casino
Vernon Downs Race Track and Casino
The International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota
Cities of Syracuse, Utica and Rome all within 30 minutes from the track.
The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Northwood 2 Construction/LaSalle Motorsports, SUNY Canton, 730 Truck Stop, Hoosier Racing Tires, Les Constructions Ultra, Cooks Contracting Services, Fondations 4 Saisons, Car Mate Trailers, The National Parts Peddler Newspaper, WestFront Construction, Cobra Coaches, The Ohsweken Speedway, Mohawk Racing Parts, Engine Research, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Total Race Supply, Riverside Bar and Grill, Coffrage Daniel Lampron, FX Chevy and many, many associate sponsors.