VERNON, NY- As the 2015 Utica-Rome Speedway season came to a close, many competitors in the Open Sportsman started to think ahead to the 2016 season and wondered if they would be part of the speedway’s weekly program.  After a rules forum with drivers on November 1, speedway has given the division a vote of confidence for the 2016 season as they will again be part of the weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series schedule.

Track owners Bill and Kim Shea, along with several of the track officials, were on hand to listen to the drivers concerns.  The decision has been made to align the rules to those being used at the Southern Tier tracks where car counts are stronger.  The Spec motor that has been allowed for the past several seasons will now not be legal for use next season.  Also, the 180cc or 200cc heads will be allowed with both having to weigh a minimum of 2,450 lbs.  Also, the only carburetor allowed will be the 2 barrel Holley #4412 with no alterations.  The Ultra or HP is not currently allowed.  For any technical questions, please call Bernie Lukas at (315)271-3068.  Full rules will be posted in the coming weeks.

“We really wanted to give the Open Sportsman guys a chance,” stated Bill Shea.  “The meeting was really positive and it showed they wanted to see the division succeed as much as we do.  Hopefully by getting back in line with the other tracks that run Open Sportsman, we can give more drivers an opportunity to race with us.”

The Utica-Rome Speedway will kick off their 2016 campaign on Sunday April 17.  To keep up to date on any off season news, please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315)829-4557.