Story By: BRETT DEYO / UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY – VERNON, NY – Round No. 3. Utica-Rome Speedway brings live and local stock car racing to Route 5 in Vernon this Friday, May 3 for the third time in 2024. A complete program on the half-mile, banked oval is bolstered by the first appearance of the Crate Late Models presented by M2 Metals LLC.
3 Bastards Brewing Modifieds, Taylor’s Trailers Crate 602 Sportsman, Next Generation GraphiX Pro Stocks, Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman and Fonda Fair Four Cylinders will be in action plus a $1,000-to-win program for the Crate Late Models, one of two appearances at the Home of Heroes this season.
The Crate Late Models – utilizing RUSH rules – continue their expansion in New York State with the Utica-Rome appearance.
Defending champion Matt Sheppard of Savannah, N.Y., is two-for-two in Modified action this season after a late-race pass of veteran Billy Decker last Friday night. Sheppard was joined in Victory Lane last Friday night by Matt Janczuk (Crate 602 Sportsman), A.J. Walters (Pro Stock), Eric Jensen (Limited Sportsman), Rudy King Jr. (Four Cylinder Dual Cam), Wayne Russell Jr. (Four Cylinder Single Cam), Brett Putnam (Allstar Slingshot) and Adisyn Roger (Junior Slingshot).
Handicapping for all weekly divisions begins this Friday night.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with hot laps at 6:45 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $15 (Adults), $13 (Seniors ages 65 and over) and Kids 11 and under are FREE.
Pit admission is $40 (Members), $35 (Non-Members), $10 Kids (ages 6-12) and $2 Children (ages 5 and under).