Written by Chris Moore

VERNON, NY – 2021 is off to a wet start at Utica-Rome Speedway.

The Grand Reopening for the Route 5 oval has been postponed due to heavy rain in the forecast starting at 7 p.m. and carrying throughout the night.

With the rainout, an open practice has been added this Sunday, May 9 because of the demand for track time by race teams.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. with cars hitting the track from 2-5 p.m. Pit admission is $25 for Utica-Rome Members and $30 for Non-Members. Grandstand admission is free and the concession stands will be open. All divisions are welcome.

The Grand Reopening is now scheduled for next Friday, May 14 with the Fuccillo Autoplex of Nelliston Thunder on the Thruway Series. The Sunoco Modifieds will headline the event with a $4,000-to-win, 35-lap feature with $300 reserved to take the green flag.

Also on the card are the Worthington Industries Crate 602 Sportsman ($1,500 to win), Next Generation Graphix Pro Stocks ($1,000 to win), plus the Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman and the Cool Stuff Antiques Four Cylinders.

For the May 14 event, gates open at 5 p.m. Hot laps begin at 6:45 p.m. and racing gets underway at 7:30 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (ages 65 and up). Kids 11 and under are FREE.

Pit admission is $30 (Utica-Rome Speedway members) and $35 (non-members).

A rain date of Sunday, May 16 will be in place for the May 14 program.

Utica-Rome Speedway is located at 5591 NY-5 (Seneca Turnpike) Vernon, NY 13476. The official website is www.uticaromespeedway.com. Like Utica-Rome Speedway on Facebook or @UR_Speedway.