VERNON, NY- For the 2016 season, the State University of New York in Canton has stepped up its sponsorship at the Utica-Rome Speedway by becoming the title sponsor of the popular 602 Crate Sportsman division.  For the 2016 campaign, the class will be referred to as the SUNY Canton 602 Sportsman.  SUNY Canton has had a long relationship with Utica-Rome Speedway in the past and that will continue into the upcoming season. 

The 602 Sportsman division is the region’s fastest growing division as the motor costs are controlled, allowing racers to enter an open wheeled Modified type class with minimal engine expenses.  Like students at SUNY Canton starting their professional career, the 602 Sportsman division is a great place for drivers to start their racing careers. 

SUNY Canton’s sprawling 555-acre campus borders the Grasse River and is within walking distance of downtown Canton.  Founded in 1906, the university currently offers 23 career driven bachelor degrees, 22 associate degrees, and five one-year professional certificate programs.  SUNY Canton’s areas of study fall into three unique schools which include The Canino School of Engineering Technology, The School of Business and Liberal Arts, and The School of Health, Science, and Criminal Justice.  Courses are also offered online with nearly 200 courses available each semester and 10 bachelor degrees available as well.  Students are taught by faculty members that are noted for their real world hands on experience in addition to their academic credentials.  With an enrollment of around 3,200 students, the student to faculty ration is 17 to 1.  For everything that SUNY Canton has to offer, please log on to www.canton.edu.  

The Utica-Rome Speedway season is set to begin on Sunday April 17 with Twin 20 lap features scheduled for the Gates-Cole Insurance Modifieds plus a full show of SUNY Canton 602 Sportsman, Broedel Energy Open Sportsman, and Pro Stocks.  On Saturday April 9, an open practice will also be held for all division.  For more information, please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315)829-4557.