Written by Chris Moore

VERNON, NY – It’s a Vintage race week!

For the first time in the 2022 season, the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series (MVVDMS) is set to tackle Utica-Rome Speedway this Friday, May 27.

The MVVDMS cars of yesteryear join the Sunoco Modifieds, Worthington Industries Crate 602 Sportsman, Next Generation GraphiX Pro Stocks, Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman and Fonda Fair Four Cylinders.

Last Friday night, Savannah, N.Y.’s Matt Sheppard was unseated for the first time in Sunoco Modified competition. Covington Township, Pa.’s Alex Yankowski claimed his first career Utica-Rome Speedway triumph. The historic victory made Yankowski the youngest winner in Modified competition at the history of the ‘Home of Heroes’ and vaulted the 17-year-old into a tie for second in the championship standings.

Sheppard’s dominant start, however, has him at the top of the standings, 58 markers beyond Yankowski and Unadilla, N.Y.’s Billy Decker.

The Worthington Industries Crate 602 Sportsman saw a first-time winner, as Dolgeville, N.Y.’s Dave Richer claimed the $1,500 winners’ share. Richer held off Durhamville, N.Y.’s Matt Janczuk for the victory in the waning laps. Janczuk’s 27^th-to-second charge was good enough to give him the lead in the Crate 602 Sportsman championship charge. Rome, N.Y.’s Chris Mackey rounds out the top three after a fourth-place finish on Friday night.

The Next Generation Graphix Pro Stocks put on the race of the night this past Friday, as Jay Corbin passed Jason Morrison on the final lap for the win. Corbin became the first driver to knock off point-leader Beau Ballard, who came home a close third. Corbin’s win put him in the runner-up spot in points, with Bret Belden and Josh Coonradt tied for third.

Hamilton, N.Y.’s Alex Hughes became the first multi-time winner with the Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman in 2022. Hughes’ win brought him to second in the point standings, just 10 markers behind current leader Matt Backus. Opening night winner Seth Martin rounds out the top three.

Slappy White (DOHC) and Hank Wedgren (SOHC) both became first time winners with the Fonda Fair Four Cylinders this past Friday. Matt Bukovan inherited the point lead with his runner-up finish, maintaining a four-point advantage over David Denova.

For the May 27 program, all gates open at 5 p.m. Hot laps are slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. with racing to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $12 for Adults and $10 for Seniors (ages 65 and above). Kids 11 and under get in FREE.

Pit Admission is $30 for Utica-Rome Speedway members and $35 for non-members.

The night of racing – and every race in the 2022 season – will air live and on-demand on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv).

Utica-Rome Speedway is located at 5591 NY-5 (Seneca Turnpike) Vernon, NY 13476. The official website is www.uticaromespeedway.com and can be reached by phone at 315.953.4097.  Like Utica-Rome Speedway on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @UR_Speedway.