News Director 
Story By: BRETT DEYO / UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY – VERNON, NY – An iconic event is back. The Cole Cup – a premier event for 360 Sprint Cars in Central New York – returns to the Utica-Rome Speedway schedule this Saturday, August 17.
The event recognizes the contributions of former speedway owner Gene Cole to racing at the Route 5 oval and beyond.
Empire Super Sprints (ESS) 360 Sprint Cars invade the Home of Heroes competing for a $5,000 winner’s share after 25 laps of feature event racing on the multi-groove half-mile.
Only one ESS event has been contested at Utica-Rome this season: a Central New York Speedweek program bested by Stewart Friesen in a Glenn Styres-owned car on July 4.
360 Sprint Cars did compete wingless under the Rapid Tire USAC East Coast banner on June 29 with Danny Varin picking up the checkered flag.
The Cole Cup was last held at Utica-Rome on Oct. 4, 2022 with Jason Barney winning over Jonathan Preston, Matt Farnham, Danny Varin and Shawn Donath.
Previous winners include Davie Franek (2019), Barney (2017), Mark Smith (2016) and Stewart Friesen (2014 & 2013).
The lightning-fast 360 Sprint Cars are joined by the championship round of the F.X. Caprara Car Companies Thunder on the Thruway Series contested between Utica-Rome and neighboring Fonda Speedway.
3 Bastards Brewing Modifieds (30 laps, $4,000 to win), Taylor’s Trailers Crate 602 Sportsman (25 laps, $1,500 to win) and Next Generation GraphiX Pro Stocks (20 laps, $1,000 to win) are set with draw/redraw formats in place. No track points will be awarded at this event.
Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman competitors are permitted to enter the Crate 602 Sportsman division for this event without losing eligibility.
Gates open at 4 p.m., with hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $25. Seniors pay $23 (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).
