SJDR - Utica-Rome Race Results

Utica Rome
Race Results
www.uticaromespeedway.com

06/26/07

Utica-Rome Speedway
**RULES BULLETIN**

Beginning this Sunday July 1, 358-Modified teams competing at Utica-Rome Speedway will have to conform to the tire rule now set in place for the remainder of the regular season in 2007. These rules will be in affect for all events held at Utica-Rome Speedway in 2007 unless otherwise noted.

-American Racer will now be the mandatory tire for the 358-Modified division at Utica-Rome Speedway.
-The right rear tire must be a compound of 38 or harder.
-NO LATE MODEL TIRES.
-American Racer tires are the only tire available at Utica-Rome Speedway. Tires are not only sold during race events at the speedway, but are also available during off days by calling (315) 725-5709.
-This rule does not affect any other division that competes at the speedway. Tire rules for all other divisions remain unchanged and are available by obtaining a rulebook at the speedway or by logging on to www.uticaromespeedway.com/2007RuleBook.htm.
-Any competitor failing to adhere to these rules are subject to fines and/or disqualification.
Any questions, please call (315) 725-5709.

Utica-Rome Speedway
**RULES BULLETIN**

Effective immediately
Starting with Sunday July 1, all 358-Modifieds and Sportsman that compete at Utica-Rome Speedway must conform to the body rules that are spelled out in the 2007 Utica-Rome Speedway Rulebook, which is available at the speedway or online at www.uticaromespeedway.com/2007RuleBook.htm.
In recent weeks, teams have been pushing the envelope in the door height area of their cars, as well as the window portion of the body by trying to create a “sail panel”. Due to safety concerns and competitive fairness, the body rules in the rulebook will be strictly enforced.
The rules concerning the body panels and rear quarter panels read:

BODY PANELS:
Side door panel: minimum 60”, maximum 70” in front of centerline of the rear axle. Doors must be straight up and down within that measurement. Front door extensions will be allowed up to 20” behind the front axle centerline. Front door height must be a maximum of 38” and minimum of 30” from the ground measured at 60” from rear axle centerline. Ground clearance on the bottom of the doors must be a minimum of 6” and a maximum of 12” from the ground. All doors and rear quarter panels may have a maximum lip of 1 1’2” rounded at 90 degrees and facing inward only, on the top and the bottom.

REAR QUARTER PANELS:
Rear quarter panels must match each other. They must be a maximum of 45” and a minimum of 40” from the ground at the rear and continue in a straight line with top of door. You may use a fender flare, up to a maximum of 2” from the body but overall body width must still be maintained at a 68” maximum. Rear quarter panels can extend back to 48” maximum at top and may incline down to 44” maximum at bottom measured from center of rear axle to rear of car. Ground clearance on rear quarter panels must be a minimum of 8” and a maximum of 16”.
Any violators may be subject to fines and/or disqualification.
Any questions can be answered by calling (315) 725-5709.

LAST LAP PASS GIVES STEWART FRIESEN THE HARD FOUGHT WIN AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY

VERNON, NY- Another huge crowd packed the spacious grandstands at Utica-Rome Speedway, and once again, they were treated to another thrilling night of racing with Ontario Canada native Stewart Friesen pulling off a last lap turn four miracle to steal the win from Pat Ward on Triple B Welding night.

When the green lights came on to start the 358-Modified 30 lap main event, Gordy Button would jump out to the early lead from his pole starting spot by as lap two was scored, the one and only yellow flag of the night flew for AJ Romano who had slipped over the turn one banking. Pat Ward would take advantage of the restart; grabbing the lead as lap three went on the lap counter over Ted Lamb and Andy Bachetti. A hard charging Friesen, from the 11th spot, would enter the fray by lap five when he moved into third behind Ward and Bachetti.

The top trio would thrill the huge crowd on hand as they diced for the lead with Bachetti and Friesen both taking shot at Ward, even sometimes going three wide for the lead. As the field completed the halfway point, Ward was still out front over Friesen, Bachetti, Willy Decker, and Lamb.

Decker, after starting 16th, had caught the top three by lap 24 and immediately began mixing it up with the top three. In the final five circuits, Friesen would be right in Ward’s tire tracks around the fast half mile and as the white flag waved, he made his move. Running extremely high into turn one and cutting down the banking off turn two, Friesen used the downhill momentum going into turn three to charge underneath Ward and slide up in front of the race long leader on the exit of turn four. Ward made a last ditch effort to regain the lead in the final 100 yards but would go on to win his third race of the season. Ward, Decker, Bachetti, and Lamb were the top five finishers with Todd Burley, Jack Johnson, Gus Schmidt, Bill Shantel Jr., and Bobby Varin rounding out the top ten

Jeremy Vunk jumped out to the lead from his third starting spot at the start of the 20 lap Sportsman feature and drove off from the rest of the field in search of his second win of 2007 at the speedway, but Brad Alger had other plans. Alger, who started sixth, moved into second by lap four and immediately began his pursuit of the leader Vunk. Alger would sneak by on lap 17 and despite several late cautions; he would hang on to win his second main of the season. Mike Button made a late race charge to grab second with Vunk falling to third at the checkered. Jim Rothwell and Alan Barker finished in fourth and fifth, respectively.

13th place starter Jerry Holmes took home his third straight Pro Stock win, taking the lead on lap 14 of the 20 lap event from a stout Mark Effner. Effner would push Holmes until the end but would not have enough to get by Holmes for the win and had to settle for the runner up spot. Chris Mackey, early leader AJ Digsby, and Shawn Frost rounded out the top five.

Curt Prevo looked to have the 15 lap Pure Stock main under control after taking the lead from Tim Janczuk on lap eight, after starting last on the field, but mechanical problems dropped him out of the lead and contention by lap 12. Matt Ball took over the lead and would lead the rest of the event for his second win of the season. Janczuk, Russ Marsden, Chris Carr, and Frank Hyatt filled out the top five positions. Chris Cunningham led the opening four circuits.

In the Empire State IMCA Modified event, Dale Caswell would jump from third to the lead by the end of the opening circuit, and despite a rash of early race yellows, seemed to have the field covered as he searched for his second consecutive win at the Utica-Rome Speedway. After setting a torrid pace out front, tire problems would sideline Caswell on lap 15 of the 25 lap event, handing the lead to defending track champion and 12th place starter Jim Roberts. Roberts would run off to score series win and his third win of the year at the track. Kevan Cook, Aaron Jacobs, Mark Griffin, and Lyle Smith chased Roberts across the line.

Fireworks and the Jacobs Motorsports Empire Super Sprints Tour will join a regular show of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds in celebration of Independence Day this coming Sunday July 1 on Gates-Cole Associates and Nye Auto Group night. Gates open at 2:30 p.m. with racing at 5 p.m. For more information, visit us at www.uticaromespeedway.com or call (315) 829-4557.

TRIPLE B WELDING RACE SUMMARY
358-MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (30 LAPS)- STEWART FRIESEN, Pat Ward, Willy Decker, Andy Bachetti, Ted Lamb, Todd Burley, Jack Johnson, Gus Schmidt, Billy Shantel Jr., Bobby Varin, Ryan Phelps, John Ramsey, Paul Kinney, Dave Rauscher, Brian Murphy, AJ Romano, Gordy Button, and Jeff Kotary.

SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS)- BRAD ALGER, Mike Button, Jeremy Vunk, Jim Rothwell, Alan Barker, Casey Williams, Danny Varin, Steve Way, Paul Carey, Larry Wight, Matt Janczuk, Jessica Zemken, Butch Reiter, John Cunningham, Jeff Leslie, Jack Miller, Tim Nye, Jason Rood, Ricky Quick, Pat Votra, Jeremy Wilder, Pete Sisler, Beth Schneider, Michael Teachout, and Matt Hulsizer.

PRO STOCK FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS)- JERRY HOLMES, Mark Effner, Chris Mackey, AJ Digsby, Shawn Frost, Jim Normoyle, Ivan Joslin, Bret Belden, Tom Denton, Chad Ray, Bill Knapp, Dave Moyer, Ed Ostrander, John Roese, Pete Broderson, Rich Dauenhauer, Chuck Wentrick, Stan Clark, Dave Meeks, Dwight Johnson, and Ryan Lund.

PURE STOCK FEATURE FINISH (15 LAPS)- MATT BALL, Tim Janczuk, Russ Marsden, Chris Carr, Frank Hyatt, Chris Cunningham, Rocky Warner, Phil Norman, Jim Thomas, Glenn Forward, Waylan Wilkczek, Andy Potter, Jim Richmond, Herm Staats, Keith Stevenson, Cale Hoffman, Curt Prevo, Ron Hawker, Mike Harrison, John Wesolowski, and Glenn Weaver. DNS- Warren Jones.

EMPIRE STATE SERIES IMCA MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (25 LAPS)- JIM ROBERTS, Kevan Cook, Aaron Jacobs, Mark Griffin, Lyle Smith, Mike Jacobs, Dave Barrows, Pete Neff, Bob Banks, Jeff Jones, George Valenti, Brad Weaver, JoJo Donato, Ken Rogers, Dale Caswell, Jeremy Shaw, JJ Courcy, Gary Roberts, Jay Fitzgerald, and Mark Chrzanowski.

UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH SPRINT CARS AND FIREWORKS

VERNON, NY- Another holiday weekend special is in store for the fans at Utica-Rome Speedway this coming Sunday, July 1, as the Empire Super Sprints return to the fast half mile Vernon oval. Joining the winged sprinters on Gates-Cole Associates and Nye Auto Group night will be the 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds.

The Empire Super Sprints by Jacobs Motorsports kicked of their 25th season of competition on May 29 at the Utica-Rome Speedway, with Justin Barger holding off former track regular and now sprint car driver Jason Barney for the win. Jeff VanDusen, Steve Poirier, and Jared Zimbardi filled out the top five spots in that visit and are expected back along with Lance Yonge, Jeff Cook, Alain Bergeron, Chuck Hebing, Dan Kaszubinski, Jessica Zemken, and many more.

The headline division of the Utica-Rome Speedway, the 358-Modifieds, will also see action with defending champion Willy Decker, Stewart Friesen, Todd Burley, Bobby Varin, Pat Ward, Andy Bachetti, AJ Romano, Ted Lamb, Gus Schmidt, and more battling for the win. The competition has been fierce so far in 2007 and should continue as the drivers compete for the $8,000 championship.

Also in competition will be the Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds. Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. with racing getting underway at 5 p.m.

Following the night’s racing activities will be a huge fireworks display in honor of our country’s independence.

Utica-Rome Speedway is located just east of the village of Vernon on Route 5, just minutes from New York State Thruway Exit 33. For more information, log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call (315) 829-4557.

ANDY BACHETTI DOMINATES 358-MODIFIED FEATURE TO SCORE HIS FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY

VERNON, NY- Looking to turn his season around at the Utica-Rome Speedway, Andy Bachetti would score the win in the 358-Modified division on William Fuller Mason Contractor night. Alan Barker grabbed the Sportsman win with Jerry Holmes, Russ Marsden, and Dale Caswell getting top honors in the Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds, respectively.

Suffering through a miserable start to the 2007 season at the Utica-Rome Speedway, Andy Bachetti was hoping to use his favorable starting spot to help salvage the season. Jumping from his pole starting spot to the lead at the drop of the green, Bachetti began to pull away from second place runner Pat Ward. The only stoppage of the event came on lap three when Brian Murphy slipped over the turn one banking and flipped several times. Murphy came out the damaged racer unharmed, however his night was over.

When green flag racing resumed, Bachetti again jumped out to a commanding lead as the rest of the field battled for position behind him. At the halfway point of the 30 lap affair, it was Bachetti easily out front with Todd Burley sliding into second with Ted Lamb, Gus Schmidt, and Stewart Friesen giving chase.

Bachetti and Burley both cleared traffic by lap 25, but Burley was unable to catch the leader. Bachetti would take the Wentworth Homes sponsored machine under Matt Burdick’s checkered flags to score his first win of the season with Burley, last place starter Willy Decker, Friesen, and Schmidt filling out the top five spots. Rounding out the top 10 spots were Lamb, Ward, Paul Kinney, Bobby Varin, and Jeff Kotary.

Third place starter Jeremy Vunk took early command of the 20 lap Sportsman main event, searching for his second of the season, but ninth place starter Alan Barker had other plans. Barker worked his way through the field and by lap eight, Barker was the leader. A scary moment in the event came as lap 14 was being scored; Jeremy Wilder took a wild ride along the backstretch wall. Wilder’s car sustained heavy damage but the driver was alright. When the race resumed, Barker pulled away to score his second win of the season. Matt Janczuk made a late race move to get second over Danny Varin, Butch Reiter, and Mike Button.

Jerry Holmes may have started the defense of his 2006 Pro Stock championship a little late by missing the first week of the 2007 season, but he seems intent on defending the title by winning by winning the last two consecutive events. Holmes, who started 12th, collected the second win this past Sunday by passing Bill Knapp on the 12th circuit and running out front unchallenged the rest of the 20 lap feature. 18th place starter Jim Normoyle crossed in second with Chris Mackey, Knapp, and Ivan Joslin trailing. Besides Holmes and Knapp, Rob Seavy took a turn out front in the early stages by leading laps one through five.

After being denied wins the past two weeks, Russ Marsden took the lead from early leader Waylan Wilczek on lap 11 and never looked back. Marsden would score his fifth win of the season with Chris Carr, Wilczek, Chris Cunningham, and Phil Norman following Marsden across the line.

After a spirited battle to get second from Jim Roberts and then another with early leader Kevan Cook to take the lead on lap six, Dale Caswell drove off to score his first IMCA Modified victory of the year at the Vernon half mile. Roberts finished in the runner up spot with Cook, Aaron Jacobs, and Ken Rogers chasing.

Tom Cole won the thrilling Spectator Races over a strong field of competitors.

The Empire State IMCA Modified Series will visit “The Action Track of the East” next Sunday June 24, joining a regular show of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks. Gates will open at 3 p.m. with racing getting underway at 5:30 p.m.

WILLIAM FULLER MASON CONTRACTOR NIGHT
358-MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (30 LAPS)- ANDY BACHETTI, Todd Burley, Willy Decker, Stewart Friesen, Gus Schmidt, Ted Lamb, Pat Ward, Paul Kinney, Bobby Varin, Jeff Kotary, AJ Romano, Bob Henry Jr., Ryan Phelps, Gordy Button, Bill Shantel Jr., David Peek, and Brian Murphy. DNS- John Ramsey.

SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS)- ALAN BARKER, Matt Janczuk, Danny Varin, Butch Reiter, Mike Button, Paul Carey, Steve Way, Jeremy Vunk, Brad Alger, Jeff Leslie, Tim Nye, Larry Wight, John Cunningham, Dan Yankowski, Jack Miller, Jason Rood, John Deforest, Brandon Easey, Casey Williams, Jim Rothwell, Michael Teachout, and Jeremy Wilder.

PRO STOCK FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS)- JERRY HOLMES, Jim Normoyle, Chris Mackey, Bill Knapp, Ivan Joslin, Bret Belden, Chad Ray, Mark Effner, Tom Denton, Shawn Frost, Rob Seavy, AJ Digsby, Dave Moyer, Dwight Johnson, Ed Ostrander, Dave Meeks, Stan Clark, Ryan Lund, and Rick Duaenhauer.

PURE STOCK FEATURE FINISH (15 LAPS)- RUSS MARSDEN, Chris Carr, Waylan Wilczek, Chris Cunningham, Phil Norman, Herm Staats, Jim Thomas, Warren Jones, Tim Janczuk, Frank Hyatt, Bill Mason, Keith Stevenson, Andy Potter, Cale Hoffman, Matt Ball, Jim Richmond, Kelly Pope, Ron Hawker, Curt Prevo, and John Wesolowski.

IMCA MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (15 LAPS)- DALE CASWELL, Jim Roberts, Kevan Cook, Aaron Jacobs, Ken Rogers, Mike Jacobs, JJ Courcy, JoJo Donato, Chris Fleming, and Mark Chrzanowski.

MORE LATE RACE DRAMA AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY AS WILLY DECKER TAKES WIN

VERNON, NY- Beautiful weather brought the fans out in masses this past Sunday night, June 10, for Eppy Electric night and they did not leave disappointed as the racing action in all divisions was intense all night long.

When the 358-Modifieds took Matt Burdick’s green flag to start the 30 lap main event, Ryan Phelps would lead the field across the line from his outside front row starting spot to lead the opening circuit. Bill Shantel Jr. was the story of the event, however, as he the pole sitter to over the lead by lap two. Shantel would hold off all challenges throughout the early stages of the race, with Bachetti and Phelps taking turns at the front running Shantel. Shantel would fend off any attempts and at the halfway point it was Shantel, Phelps, Willy Decker, Bachetti, and AJ Romano chasing.

Seventh place starter Decker was one of the few to attempt to use the inside lane around the spacious half mile, and it was coming to him in the late stages of the event. A lap 27 caution put Decker in the tire tracks of the top duo of Phelps and Shantel and Decker jumped at the opportunity. Decker slid underneath Phelps on the restart and a half lap later, Shantel made his only mistake of the race as he jumped the cushion, and that gave Decker the chance he needed as he sped by for the lead as lap 29 was completed. A last lap caution gave the field one more chance at Decker but it wasn’t going to happen. The defending 358-Modified Utica-Rome Speedway champion would take his second Utica-Rome Speedway win of the season with Stewart Friesen making a late race charge to finish second, Shantel would hold on for third, with Phelps and Bobby Varin rounding out the top five. Todd Burley, Ted Lamb, Alan Johnson, Pat Ward, and Brian Murphy filled out the top 10 finishing positions.

In the Sportsman 20 lap feature, Jason Rood jumped out to the lead from his pole starting spot with Jim Rothwell repeatedly applying heavy pressure for the top spot. As the top duo battle for the lead, Alan Barker was making his way to the front from his eighth starting spot, and at the halfway point, completed his charge as he took the lead from Rood. Barker seemingly had the field under control but 10th place starter Paul Carey had other plans. Using the high side to perfection, Carey would cut through the field and by lap 16; he was going around Barker for the lead and the win. Barker held on for second with Rood falling to third at the finish. Matt Janczuk and Rothwell rounded out the top five.

Shawn Frost took command of the 20 lap Pro Stock feature at the drop of the green flag and held on to it for the first eight laps with Ivan Joslin using the high side off turn four to take over on lap nine. 13th place starter Jerry Holmes would be out front by lap 10, and when the checkered flag dropped, Holmes was still out front to score his first win of the season. Bret Belden nipped Chris Mackey for the second spot with Frost and Tom Denton rounding out the top five.

In Pure Stock action, Chris Carr took the lead from Ron Hawker as lap seven was be scored, and despite heavy pressure from Russ Marsden, Carr held on for the rest of the 15 lap feature to score his first ever Utica-Rome Speedway Pure Stock win. Marsden was a close second at the line with Matt Ball, Hawker, and Frank Hyatt filling out the top five.

Kevan Cook took over the lead in the IMCA Modified 15 lap feature on the second circuit and would never give up that lead for the remainder of the event. Cook would claim his first win of the season at the speedway with Lyle Smith, Jim Roberts, Mike Jacobs, and Aaron Jacobs chasing.

The Vintage Stock Cars visited the Utica-Rome Speedway with Bill Kisselstein, Norm Richardson, and Richard Applebee winning the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s divisions respectively.

William Fuller Mason Contractor will present the racing action next Sunday June 17 with a regular show of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds plus the popular Spectator races. Gates open at 3 p.m. with racing set to begin at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit the track website at www.uticaromespeedway.com or call (315) 829-4557.

EPPY ELECTRIC RACE SUMMARY
358-MODIFIED FINISH (30 LAPS)- WILLY DECKER, Stewart Friesen, Bill Shantel Jr., Ryan Phelps, Bobby Varin, Todd Burley, Ted Lamb, Alan Johnson, Pat Ward, Brian Murphy, John Ramsey, Jeff Kotary, AJ Romano, Ken McGuire, Paul Kinney, David Orr, Gus Schmidt, Bob Henry Jr., Andy Bachetti, Gordy Button, and Rick Rogala.

SPORTSMAN FINISH (20 LAPS)- PAUL CAREY, Alan Barker, Jason Rood, Matt Janczuk, Jim Rothwell, Danny Varin, Steve Way, Casey Williams, Jeremy Wilder, Larry Wight, John Cunningham, Brad Alger, Mike Button, Tim Nye, Butch Reiter, Jeremy Vunk, Dan Yankowski, Jack Miller, Michael Teachout, Jeff Leslie, and Jessica Zemken.

PRO STOCK FINISH (20 LAPS)- JERRY HOLMES, Bret Belden, Chris Mackey, Shawn Frost, Tom Denton, Don Decker, Chad Ray, Dave Moyer, Eric Vanderhoof, Ed Ostrander, AJ Digsby, Mark Effner, Stan Clark, Nick Stone, Bill Knapp, Ryan Lund, Dwight Johnson, Jim Normoyle, Chris Wentrick, Rich Dauenhauer, Ivan Joslin, Dave Meeks, and Rob Seavy.

PURE STOCK FINISH (15 LAPS)- CHRIS CARR, Russ Marsden, Matt Ball, Ron Hawker, Frank Hyatt, Rocky Warner, Jim Thomas, Tim Janczuk, Andy Potter, Waylan Wilczek, Keith Stevenson, Warren Jones, Mike Harrison, Curt Prevo, Herm Staats, Kelly Pope, Cale Hoffman, Bill Mason, Phil Norman, John Wesolowski, and Chris Cunningham.

IMCA MODIFIED FINISH (15 LAPS) - KEVAN COOK, Lyle Smith, Jim Roberts, Mike Jacobs, Aaron Jacobs, Ken Rogers, Chris Fleming, Mark Chrzanowski, and Tony Finch.

BOBBY VARIN INHERITS LATE RACE LEAD TO SCORE 358-MODIFIED WIN AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY

VERNON, NY- Despite Mother Nature’s best efforts, Utica-Rome Speedway was still able to get the show in on Gates-Cole Associates and Park’s Trucking & Paving night. After a four hour delay which saw a feature only program run for the 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, and Pure Stocks due to the delay, fans were treated to fast and furious racing action that saw Bobby Varin take the 358-Modified feature with Justin Barger the victor in the Empire Super Sprint feature.

When Matt Burdick’s green flag waved to begin the 358-Modified 30 lap main event, Gordy Button rocketed to the lead from his pole starting spot with Ryan Phelps falling in behind him for second. The caution waved on lap one for the damaged car of defending track champion Willy Decker and debris a lap later, keeping the field bunched together. Phelps grabbed the lead on the lap two restart and began to pull away as he looked for his first Utica-Rome Speedway win.

Phelps was impressive in the early stages of the race, opening a sizable margin while the rest of the field battled for position behind him. AJ Romano took over the runner up spot on lap nine, from starting spot number 12, and began to reel in the leader. A caution on lap 14 for the disable Stewart Friesen machine would gather the field back together again for the final side by side start of the race.

Phelps would again jump out front on the restart with Romano in his tracks as they crossed the line at the halfway point in positions one and two. Todd Burley, Bobby Varin, and John Ramsey rounded the top five spots at that point.

As the field was ready to get the five laps to go signal from the flagger, Romano would make his move for the lead as he dove under the leader Phelps. As Romano attempted the pass, contact was made with Phelps which him into the turn four wall. Phelps’ night was over and Romano was sent to the rear for the contact. Varin was the beneficiary of the penalty as he was handed the lead. When racing resumed, Varin would hold of the last ditch efforts of Burley and race off with his first win at the Vernon oval in 2007. Burley would come home in second with Ramsey, Friesen, and Gus Schmidt filling out the top five spot. Positions six through ten were held by Paul Kinney, Pat Ward, Romano, Ted Lamb, and Jeff Kotary.

At the drop of the green flag in the Sportsman feature, Casey Williams charged from his fourth starting spot and into the lead by the end of lap one. While Williams ran up front, Mike Button was making his way to the front, moving into second by the seventh lap. Despite several cautions, Button was unable to challenge Williams for the lead and the win. Williams would take home the 20 lap victory trailed by Button, Tim Nye, Steve Way, and Brad Alger.

Chris Mackey took home his second consecutive win in the Pro Stock feature, as he passed Jim Normoyle for the lead on lap 18 for the victory. Normoyle, Bret Belden, Jerry Holmes, and Bill Knapp rounded out the top five spots.

Matt Ball survived a race long battle with Ron Hawker to take his first Pure Stock win of the season, ending Russ Marsden’s stranglehold on victory in the division. Chris Carr, Marsden, and Curt Prevo were scored in the remaining top five spots at the finish.

Don Harvey would lead the entire distance of the Central New York Mini Sprint 15 lap feature event to score the win. Harvey was followed by Bubba Broderick, Jared Fink, Arthur Kiser, and Doug Norrie.

Justin Barger jumped out front early in the Empire Super Sprint 25 lap main and raced away with the win. See ESS release for full details.

Racing continues this Sunday, June 3, at “The Action Track of the East” on Eppy Electric night with a regular show of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds. Gates will open at 3 p.m. with racing at 5:30 p.m. More information is available at www.uticaromespeedway.com or by calling (315) 829-4557.

GATES-COLE ASSOCIATES/PARK’S TRUCKING & PAVING RACE SUMMARY
358-MODIFIED FEATURE (30 LAPS)- BOBBY VARIN, Todd Burley, John Ramsey, Stewart Friesen, Gus Schmidt, Paul Kinney, Pat Ward, AJ Romano, Ted Lamb, Jeff Kotary, David Orr, Gordy Button, Joel Thomas, Ryan Phelps, Josh Hohenforst, Bill Shantel Jr., Ken McGuire, Andy Bachetti, and Willy Decker. DNS- Jack Johnson, Ronnie Johnson, and Brian Murphy.

SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 LAPS)- CASEY WILLIAMS, Mike Button, Tim Nye, Steve Way, Steve Way, Brad Alger, John Cunningham, Alan Barker, Danny Varin, Jeremy Vunk, Jim Rothwell, Paul Carey, Dan Yankowski, Jason Rood, Larry Wight, and Matt Janczuk.

PRO STOCKS FEATURE (20 LAPS)- CHRIS MACKEY, Jim Normoyle, Bret Belden, Jerry Holmes, Bill Knapp, Tom Denton, Mark Effner, Dave Moyer, Rob Seavy, Ed Ostrander, AJ Digsby, Ivan Joslin, Shawn Frost, Eric Vanderhoof, Chad Ray, and Joe Palmer. DNS- Todd Fey.

PURE STOCKS FEATURE (15 LAPS)- MATT BALL, Ron Hawker, Chris Carr, Russ Marsden, Curt Prevo, Keith Stevenson, Tim Janczuk, Andy Potter, Jim Thomas, Cale Hoffman, Hob Hyatt, Waylan Wilczek, John Wesolowski, Frank Hyatt, Rocky Warner, Warren Jones, Glenn Forward, and Chris Cunningham. DNS- Dave Bruno.

EMPIRE SUPER SPRINT FEATURE TOP TEN (25 LAPS)- JUSTIN BARGER, Jason Barney, Jeff VanDusen, Steve Poirier, Jared Zimbardi, John Karklin, Lance Yonge, Mike Stelter, Jeff Cook, and Doug Norrie.

CENTRAL NEW YORK MINI SPRINT FEATURE (15 LAPS)- DON HARVEY, Bubba Broderick, Jared Fink, Arthur Kiser, Doug Norrie, Shaun Gosselin, Joseph Burkert, Matt Norrie, Mike Kiser, Justin Phillips, Jerry Sehn Jr., Ricky Donovan, Sierra Lister, and Frederick Hoffman.

EPPY ELECTRIC TO PRESENT REGULAR SHOW OF RACING THIS SUNDAY AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY

VERNON, NY- Exciting racing action continues this Sunday June 3 at Utica-Rome Speedway when Eppy Electric presents a regular show of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds.

The season long battle for the hefty $8,000 358-Modified championship will continue this Sunday with some of the top names in 358-Modified racing looking for the early advantage in the standings. Pat Ward, Bobby Varin, Todd Burley, Stewart Friesen, Willy Decker, AJ Romano, Alan Johnson, Andy Bachetti, and many more call Utica-Rome Speedway thrill the crowd weekly as they battle for position on the spacious half mile oval.

In the Sportsman division this season so far, four different drivers have visited victory lane in four events. Paul Carey, Jeremy Vunk, Alan Barker, and Brad Alger each have won, with Vunk sitting atop the point standings.

Tom Denton, winless so far in 2007, has used consistent finishes to take command of the Pro Stock standings with AJ Digsby, Chris Mackey, Chad Ray, and Bret Belden each victorious so far in the early season.

Pure Stock veteran Russ Marsden has been the only winner in the Pure Stock division so far in 2007 as he looks to grab his fourth consecutive championship but has several competitors looking to end his four race win streak. Fan favorite Jim Thomas, Tim Janczuk, Chris Cunningham, Ron Hawker, and Curt Prevo are just some of the drivers hoping to grab the checkered flag.

Jim Roberts leads the way in the competitive IMCA Modified division with two wins and the point lead with Sean Lias, Lyle Smith, Dale Caswell, and Aaron Jacobs just some of the drivers chasing him.

Eppy Electric, the official electricians of Utica-Rome Speedway, is located in located in Oneida NY. Owned by Jim Whitcombe, no job is too large or to small for the local business. Eppy Electric can be contacted at (315) 361-1599.

Gates open at 3 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. General admission is $11 for adults, with student, seniors, and military personal admitted for $9. Children 9 and under are free.

Utica-Rome Speedway is located on Route 5 in Vernon NY, just minutes from New York State Thruway Exit 33. For more information, log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315) 829-4557.

STEWART FRIESEN MAKES LATE RACE PASS TO TAKE CHECKERS AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY

VERNON, NY- Smooth and tacky track conditions this past Sunday, May 20, at Utica-Rome Speedway led to intense racing action in all divisions with Stewart Friesen winning his battle with Bobby Varin to take the top honors in the 358-Modifieds while Paul Carey bested at talent filled field of Sportsman to win the Race of Champions DART Dirt Series event. Chris Mackey grabbed his first ever win in the competitive Pro Stock division while Russ Marsden and Jim Roberts took home wins in the Pure Stocks and IMCA Modifieds, respectively.

Gordy Button grabbed the early lead of the 30 lap 358-Modified feature event with Bob Henry Jr. running a close second for the first 10 circuits. Bobby Varin, after starting in the 12th position, grabbed second by the 13th lap and as lap 14 was scored; Varin was in command of the field. 14th place starter Stewart Friesen followed Varin through the field and by the halfway point it was Varin, Friesen, Button, Ronnie Johnson, and AJ Romano running in the top five spots.

Throughout the second half the event, Varin and Friesen battled back and forth for lead with Friesen winning out, taking the lead on lap 24. While the battle for the lead was going on, a ferocious battle for the third spot was being waged behind the leaders. Alan Johnson, Ted Lamb, AJ Romano, and Willy Decker were all involved with Johnson grabbing the position and holding it until the end. Friesen would take home his second win of the season followed by Varin, Johnson, Romano, and Decker in the top five spots. Filling out the rest of the top 10 spots was Lamb, Todd Burley, Jack Johnson, Gus Schmidt, and Pat Ward.

At the drop of the green flag in the Race of Champions DART Dirt Sportsman series event, pole sitter Paul Carey grabbed the lead over fellow front row starter Brad Alger. Alger would continue to hold on to the lead until lap 10 when the complexion of the event changed. A piece of debris stuck in the racing surface caused a total of 10 cars to go pit side with flat tires including the leader Alger. Carey, who had slipped to sixth at that point, was handed the lead due to the rash of flat tires. After a lengthy yellow to allow the cars that had flats to return to action, Danny Creeden took command of the field on the restart with Carey getting by again on lap 13. For the remainder of the 40 lap race, Carey would hold on to the top spot and take home the $1,000 check. Mike Button, Casey Williams, Jeremy Wilder, and Creeden filled out the top five positions.

Rob Seavy paced the field in the early going in the 20 lap Pro Stock feature event until Chris Mackey slipped by on the third lap. Mackey would continue to lead the event with heavy pressure coming from Tom Denton, who had moved into second on lap seven. Lap after lap, Denton would make a run at Mackey but his attempts for the lead would be held off. At the line it was Mackey for his first career win with Denton, AJ Digsby, Jerry Holmes, and Chad Ray chasing.

In the Pure Stocks, Russ Marsden made his usual charge to the front, moving from 14th to the runner-up spot by lap nine, of the 15 lap main, behind Ron Hawker. Marsden stalked Hawker for the next five circuits and as the white flag waved, he charged by for the lead and his fourth consecutive win. Hawker, Frank Hyatt, Chris Cunningham, and Jim Thomas filled out the top five spots. Curt Prevo, Matt Ball, Hyatt all took turns out front before Hawker took one lap six.

Jumping from his fourth starting spot on the opening circuit of the IMCA Modified 15 lap main event, Jim Roberts would lead the remainder of the race to score his second win of the season. Lyle Smith, George Catanzano, Kevan Cook, and Aaron Jacobs chased Roberts across the line.

Next Sunday May 27, the Empire Super Sprints kick off their 25th consecutive season when Gates-Cole Associates and Parks Trucking and Paving presents the ESS, 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and the Central New York Mini Sprints. Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. with racing at 5 p.m. More information is available at www.uticaromespeedway.com.

VERNON DOWNS RACE SUMMARY
358-MODIFIED FEATURE (30 LAPS)- STEWART FRIESEN, Bobby Varin, Alan Johnson, AJ Romano, Willy Decker, Ted Lamb, Todd Burley, Jack Johnson, Gus Schmidt, Pat Ward, Andy Bachetti, David Orr, Paul Kinney, Brian Murphy, Gordy Button, Ryan Phelps, Ken McGuire, Bob Henry Jr., Ronnie Johnson, Jeff Kotary, Mitch Gibbs, John Ramsey, Dustin Delaney, and Billy Shantel Jr.

RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT SPORTSMAN FEATURE (40 LAPS) - PAUL CAREY, Mike Button, Casey Williams, Jeremy Wilder, Danny Creeden, Steve Way, Matt Janczuk, Brad Alger, Tim Nye, Alan Barker, Danny Yankowski, Ben Bushaw, John Cunningham, Les Gillette, Butch Reiter, Mike Lartz, Vinnie Sanganetti, Jeremy Vunk, Jeff Leslie, Justin Holland, Jason Memrick, Larry Wight, David Towns, Jim Rothwell, Danny Varin, and Derrick McGrew.

PRO STOCKS FEATURE (20 LAPS)- CHRIS MACKEY, Tom Denton, AJ Digsby, Jerry Holmes, Chad Ray, Bill Knapp, Bret Belden, Ed Ostrander, Shawn Frost, Jim Normoyle, Mark Effner, Rob Seavy, Dave Moyer, Joe Palmer, Ryan Lund, Chad Jeseo, Ivan Joslin, Todd Fey, Chris Wentrick, and Eric Vanderhoof.

PURE STOCKS FEATURE (15 LAPS)- RUSS MARSDEN, Ron Hawker, Frank Hyatt, Chris Cunningham, Jim Thomas, Chris Carr, Matt Ball, Tim Janczuk, Rocky Warner, Waylan Wilczek, Warren Jones, Keith Stevenson, Cale Hoffman, Bill Mason, Andy Potter, Curt Prevo, Dave Bruno, John Wesolowski, and Dan Pollock.

IMCA MODIFIED FEATURE (15 LAPS)- JIM ROBERTS, Lyle Smith, George Catanzano, Kevan Cook, Aaron Jacobs, Mike Jacobs, Ken Rogers, Jojo Donato, and Chris Fleming.

2007 UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY RULEBOOK NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

VERNON, NY- Even though the calendar has yet to turn to 2007, Utica-Rome Speedway officials are making sure competitors have ample time to prepare for 2007 season at the fast half mile.

The 2007 version of the Utica-Rome Speedway rulebook is currently available on the speedway website at www.uticaromespeedway.com by clicking on the rules tab. On the online version of the rulebook, any rules that differ from the 2006 version are highlighted in yellow. While any rulebook is subject to some changes throughout the season, General Manager Dick Sweet is confident that the version released now will be the same when the gates open at the speedway in April. “I don’t anticipate any changes from now until the season starts,” stated Sweet, “so our race teams can prepare themselves for 2007.”

Printed versions of the rulebook will be available in early 2007.

For all the latest exciting news on the upcoming season, stay tuned to the trade papers or visit us online at www.uticaromespeedway.com. The 2007 race season at the Utica-Rome Speedway is set to begin in mid April and be concluded on September with the 18th running of the New Yorker 200. More information is available by calling the speedway office at (315) 829-4557.

HUGE POINT FUND PAYOUT AGAIN AWAITS TOP TEN 358-MODIFIED DRIVERS AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY IN 2007

VERNON, NY- During the 2006 Awards Banquet at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort, General Manager Dick Sweet announced the huge 358-Modified point fund, totaling $28,600 to the top ten in the standings, will again be in place for the upcoming 2007 season. The point fund is made possible with the partnership of Mirabito “The Energy Leader” and track owner Gene Cole.

Once again, the high point driver in the 358-Modifieds will receive a check at the end of the year for a huge $8,000. Runner up in the standings will get $6,000 while the third place driver receives $4,000. The fourth place point getter will get $2,500 will fifth will get $2,000. Sixth through 10th will receive $1,500, $1,300, $1,200, $1,100, and $1,000, respectively. Stewart Friesen and Willy Decker (twice) have been the 358-Modified track champions since this point fund has been instituted,

Utica-Rome Speedway races every Sunday evening from mid April until September with its regular five star program of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds. For all the latest information on upcoming events, latest off season news and rules updates please visit the official speedway website at www.uticaromespeedway.com. The speedway phone number is (315) 829-4557.

NEW CLAY ADDED TO UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY

VERNON, NY- In what seems to be an off season tradition in the Gene Cole era at the Utica-Rome Speedway, more improvements are being made to the speedway while it sits idle for the winter months.

Since the Vernon speed plant ended its racing season on September 10, the track crew had applied 150 loads of new clay to the racing surface. While the half mile oval was the primary area of concern for the resurfacing, the smaller inner oval got some of the attention. Turns three and four of inner oval also had clay added, widening the groove for the visiting classes that utilize the track.

Also, new billboards were added to highlight the sponsors that make racing at the speedway possible.

Since track owner Gene Cole has taken the reigns of Utica-Rome Speedway, improvements have been made at the track in wholesale fashion. The infield was totally landscaped with billboards added and grass planted, totally new clay surface added, both men’s and women’s restrooms redone, new fencing along the front stretch, the current grandstands repainted with new grandstands added, and a new scale area for the race cars plus many more changes.

The Utica-Rome Speedway will begin in mid April and run every Sunday evening until September with the running of the New Yorker 200. A regular Sunday show consists of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, and IMCA Modifieds plus appearance by the Empire Super Sprints, Central New York Mini Sprints, and the Race of Champions Dirt Modified and Sportsman Series with possible dates with ESDCA Mod Lites. To keep up with the latest news at the speedway, log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315) 829-4557.

AWARDS BANQUET CLOSES OUT THE UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY 2006 SEASON

VERONA, NY- On Saturday November 11, the 2006 Utica-Rome Speedway season officially came to a close at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona, NY with the annual Awards Banquet. Nearly 500 guests filled the Mohawk room to see the top 10 drivers in each division receive their accolades for the 2006 season, with over $65,000 being handed out between point and tire money.

For the second consecutive year, Willy Decker was the driver receiving the huge $8,000 check for winning the 2006 Utica-Rome Speedway 358-Modified championship. Bobby Varin had the point lead going into the last night of competition at the fast Vernon half mile but an expiring power plant and Decker’s second place run allowed the 2005 champion to repeat as the 358-Modified champion. Varin slipped to second in the standings and had to settle for the $6,000 runner-up check. Varin had four wins on the season. Ted Lamb (1 win) collected $4,000 for his third place efforts, with Todd Burley (3 wins) and Jamie Christian collected $2,500 and $2,000 respectively for their top five finishes in the point standings. Paul Kinney (1 win), Mitch Gibbs, Gus Schmidt (1 win), David Orr, and John Ramsey were also recognized for their top 10 finishes in the standings. In all, over $25,000 was handed out to the top 10 in points. Bill Shantel, Jr. was given the Rookie of the Year in the 358-Modifieds with David Orr awarded the Most Improved Driver award. Bobby Varin was given the Hard Charger award. Special thanks go out to Mirabito “The Energy Leader” and Gene Cole, both who make this stellar point fund possible.

Mike Button was recognized at the 2006 Utica-Rome Speedway Sportsman Champion, his first ever title at the Vernon oval. An incredible turn of events on the last race of the season saw then point leader Kyle Lewis receive an on track penalty that relegated him to the pits, opening the door for Button to claim the title. A fourth place run in the event was enough for Button to claim the title. Button had one victory on the year. Another driver slipping by Lewis in the standings on the final night was Jeremy Vunk. The second place finish in the standings was two time winner Vunk’s careers best. Lewis (1 win) fell to third in the standings with Brad Alger and Paul Carey (2 wins) rounded out the top five. The rest of the top ten to be recognized were Steve Way (3 wins), Matt Janczuk, Tim Nye (1 win), Casey Williams, and Alan Barker (1 win). Rookie of the Year went to Danny Varin, who scored a win on the same night as his father Bobby. Most Improved went to Matt Janczuk while Jeremy Vunk was the Hard Charger.

Jerry Holmes was on hand to collect his fourth Pro Stock championship after a stellar 2006 season with seven wins. Bret Belden (4 wins) was second in the standings with Jim Normoyle (2 wins) third. Tom Denton (2 Wins) and rookie Chris Mackey filled out the top five in the standings. The rest of the top 10 awarded point money was Dave Moyer, Don Decker, Bill Knapp, Ed Ostrander, and Mark Effner. Chris Mackey was awarded the Rookie of the Year with Ed Ostrander given the Most Improved Driver award. Former champion Bret Belden received the Hard Charger Award.

For the third consecutive season, Russ Marsden was recognized as the 2006 Pure Stock champion after another dominating season, with 10 wins in 16 events. Chris Cunningham (2 wins) was able to keep the chase for the title close, even holding the point lead late in the season, but fell short in the last several weeks to finish in the second spot in the standings. Ron Hawker (1 win), Curt Prevo (1 win), and Glenn Forward rounded out the top five spots. Filling out the top were Tim Janczuk, Shawn Dunn, Frank Hyatt, Jim Thomas, and Chris Carr. The Hard Charger award went Chris Cunningham with Rookie of the Year going to Chris Carr. The Most Improved Driver award went to Tim Janczuk.

In his first full season in the IMCA Modified division, Jim Roberts was named the Utica-Rome Speedway Champion, grabbing three wins en route to the championship. Aaron Jacobs finished in the runner-up spot with Kevin Buff (2 wins) was third. Rounding out the top five was Mark Chrzanowski and Ken Rogers. Mike Smith (4 wins), Bob Banks, Dale Caswell (1 win), Pete Anderson, and Bill Anderson were the remaining top ten point getters.

During the evening, General Manager Dick Sweet mentioned that many new things are on tap for the upcoming 2007 season, including the return of the “New Yorker” event to the speedway. The 2007 version will be 200 laps in length and be exclusively for the 358-Modifieds. More details will be coming during the winter months. Also he made it point to announce that the huge point fund, again with the help Mirabito “The Energy Leader”, for the 358-Modifieds will remain intact for the 2007 season, with $8,000 again going to the point champion in the 358-Modified division.

Track announcer Mike Mallett handled the microphone throughout the evening with local comedian Joe Peck keeping the large crowd entertained during dinner. The Uptown/Downtowners kept the large throng dancing until the midnight hour.

Special thanks go out to all the sponsors, drivers, crews, officials, and fans that helped make the 2006 season a resounding success.

To keep up to date on any news on the upcoming 2007 season, log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com. For more information, call the speedway office at (315) 829-4557.