Utica-Rome Speedway Opens Friday With $6,800-To-Win Alex Friesen Memorial; Practice Tuesday

240416dur_01

Story By: BRETT DEYO / UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY – VERNON, NY – Honoring Alex.  The 2024 Utica-Rome Speedway season gets the green flag this Friday, April 19 with the ‘Honoring Alex’ event run in memory of late promotional icon Alex Friesen.

In recognition of Friesen’s iconic No. 68, the 3 Bastards Brewing Modifieds compete for a $6,800 winner’s share for 30 laps of racing.

Friesen lost his life in a snowmobile accident at age 33 on December 5, 1996.

As a promoter, Friesen revolutionized the sport by embracing the power of marketing and communication. His empire had grown to seven tracks – both dirt and pavement – across New York State and Pennsylvania, including Utica-Rome Speedway which he had purchased with businessman John Zemaitis.

Weeks before his passing, Friesen had convened a meeting of 15 Northeast promoters to air ideas for a series of long-distance, high-paying events for the 358-Modifieds under the “STORM” moniker: Short Track Organization for Racing and Marketing.

As a driver, Friesen – with the help of friend Doug Hoffman – achieved a career highlight in October 1996, qualifying for the big-block portion of Super DIRT Week on the Syracuse Mile.

Friesen’s ideas, personality and legacy loom large in the minds of many through the industry today, nearly three decades later.

The 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 competition.

Utica-Rome Speedway points begin in all divisions. A draw/redraw format will be in place.

Gates open at 5 p.m., with hot laps at 6:45 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $22 (Adults), $20 (Seniors ages 65 and over) and Kids 11 and under are FREE.

Pit admission is $45 (Non-Members), $40 (Members), $10 Kids (ages 6-12) and $2 Children ages 5 and under.

A tentative rain date of Sunday, April 21 is in place.

 

Practice Tuesday, April 16th

It’s time to hit the track.  Utica-Rome Speedway opens its 2024 season this Tuesday, April 16 with an Open Practice session for both the half-mile oval and the inner oval.

All classes are welcome to attend the test and tune: weekly divisions of 3 Bastards Brewing Modifieds, Taylor’s Trailers Crate 602 Sportsman, Next Generation GraphiX Pro Stocks, Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman and Fonda Fair Four Cylinders in addition to any of the touring series divisions set on the 2024 schedule.

The inner oval will be prepared for the Allstar Slingshots, Junior Slingshots and Small Car Wednesday participants.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Cars will hit the track from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Pit admission is $35 (Non-Member), $30 (Member), $10 Kids (ages 6-12) and $2 Children (ages 5 and under).

Grandstand admission is FREE.

BDR Feed concessions will be open serving both the pit and grandstand areas.

2024 pit licenses will be on sale in the pit area at the lineup board.

Online Performance Parts/Stone Motorsports will be on hand with Sunoco Race Fuels, American Racer tires and parts.

 
 
error: Thanks For Visiting Race Pro Weekly ... Like what you see? Tell your friends to check us out!