From Utica-Rome Speedway
Vernon, NY — (December 20, 2012) – Utica-Rome Speedway is set to add to its already impressive schedule as the track begins a new 360 sprint car tradition in Central New York. The half-mile oval already hosts three Empire Super Sprint events during the year with great success. The speedway hopes to build on that success as it hosts one of the largest paying events for 360 sprint cars on the East Coast.
Traditionally the second weekend in September was reserved for the New Yorker 200.With the announcement at the speedway’s annual banquet back in November at Turning Stone Casino and Resort that this event has been moved to Labor Day weekend in 2013, September 1 and 2, a date opened up on the schedule.
Rather than sail paneled Modifieds taking to the speedway on Saturday, September 7, now the winged warriors will have that opportunity with one driver will walking away with a huge payday. A special rain date of Sunday the 8th has also been set up.
The race will pay a hefty $7,000 to the winner with $500 going to drivers that race their way into the A-Main. It is by far the largest 360 sprint car purse ever paid by the speedway and it is expected to draw drivers from all the area’s major sanctioning bodies as well as the entire country.
In 2012 fans were thrilled each time the sprint cars were in competition. Shawn Donath earned a pair of wins at the speedway in May and September with one of those wins coming on a slide job of Chuck Hebing in the closing laps. Hebing got a win of his own in August while Justin Barger took away Michael Parent’s chance as his first career win at Utica-Rome with a last lap, last turn pass in July.
Joining the sprint cars will be the 602 sportsman division in their final event of four races that are planned for the 2013 season. They will compete for a large purse as well which includes a $1,000 winner’s share.
The 602 sportsman had one race in 2012 which was won by Jeremy Pitcher. A large field of 38 cars showed up for the event with Pitcher racing his way by John Scarborough on the final lap in slower traffic to secure the win.
Rules and entry forms for this event will be available in the coming weeks on the speedway’s website at www.uticaromespeedway.com.Also stay tuned to the website for more information about this race as the winter progresses. For more information the speedway office can be contacted by calling (315)829-4557.