VERNON, NY-After a very mild winter, snow returned to the Central New York region after a month long absence this past weekend.  With several inches of snow covering the Utica-Rome Speedway, track management had little choice but to cancel the practice session that was scheduled for this Saturday, April 9. 

“We were nearly ready to go,” stated track owner Bill Shea “but the new snow will not allow us to get on the track to get it ready for Saturday.  If the weather turns for the better, we may schedule a practice session late next week.  Either way, we plan on opening on next Sunday.” 

Busch Beer will present the 55^th Season Opener on Sunday April 17 with Twin 20 lap features scheduled for the Gates-Cole Insurance Modifieds, each paying $1,500 to win and $150 to start to kick off another season of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing.  The SUNY Canton 602 Sportsman, Broedel Energy Open Sportsman, and Pro Stocks will also be on hand to begin another exciting season.

While the weather may put a damper on the on track activities, the off track festivities will continue as the Speedway Club, in the former Tombstone Saloon location, will be open for a pre season gathering.  Open from 4 p.m.-12 a.m., track officials will be on hand to sell NASCAR licenses plus have other the assorted paperwork to start the season.  The NASCAR Sprint Cup event from Texas Motor Speedway will be on TV throughout the night so fans and drivers alike can do some bench racing.  Whether a fan, crew member, family member, or driver, all are welcome to attend. 

To keep up to date on any events or news at “The Action Track of the East”, please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office (315)829-4557.  News and updates can also be found on Facebook and Twitter at @UR_Speedway.