Written by Chris Moore

VERNON, NY– Are you a Modern-Day Outlaw?

On Tuesday, October 5, Utica-Rome Speedway roars back to life for the 2021 season finale.

After much fan interest, speedway promoter Brett Deyo added the ‘Modern-Day Outlaw’ race to round out his inaugural season as the director of the ‘Home of Heroes.’

Three divisions – all with high paying purses and a healthy winner’s share – are set for the season finale at the Vernon half-mile.

The ‘Modern-Day Outlaw 50’ takes center stage, as the Sunoco Modifieds battle for 50-laps around the ‘Home of Heroes’ for a $10,000 top prize.

The Modifieds will slap on sail panels for the first time at Utica-Rome Speedway since the ‘Richie Evans Remembered 61,’ when the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series invaded the Route-5 oval on July 22.

Sprakers, N.Y.’s Stewart Friesen won that event, along with the last two races contested in early September. Friesen picked up the win on championship night and then two days later, won the ‘New Yorker 100’ and the $12,000 prize to go with it.

Now Friesen, Utica-Rome’s all-time winningest driver, leads the brigade into the season finale looking for another five-figure paycheck.

The Patriot Sprint Tour (PST) 360 Sprint Cars return to action at the Home of Heroes for the midweek, October show as the ‘Cole Cup’ moniker returns.

Utica-Rome Speedway’s owner and longtime promoter, Gene Cole, is recognized for the event, as the Patriot Sprint Cars race for their own hefty payday, a $5,000 prize to the winner.

Marcellus, N.Y.’s Paulie Colagiovanni won the only event for the Patriot Sprints at Utica-Rome in 2021, also during the ‘New Yorker’ back on September 6.

That event was the first Patriot Sprint Tour appearance at Utica-Rome since 2006, 15 years ago.

Now the Patriot Sprints return for the second time in as many months to recognize Gene Cole, who is recognized by many as the man to put Utica-Rome on the map.

The Worthington Industries Crate 602 Sportsman round out the program, in a 25-lap, $1,500 paycheck for top honors.

2021 track champion Matt Janczuk leads the Sportsman into action, having joined Friesen and Colagiovanni as winners during the ‘New Yorker’ back on Labor Day.

For the October 5 event, all gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps beginning at 6:15 p.m. and racing following at 7:15 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $25 for adults. Seniors (ages 65 and above) are $23 and Kids 11 and Under get in FREE.

Pit Admission is $40 for Non-Utica-Rome Speedway Members and $35 for Members.

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.