Written by Chris Moore

VERNON, NY – One last ride.

For the final time in 2022, Utica-Rome Speedway will roar to life on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

The ‘Home of Heroes’ concludes its 2022 campaign with a full night of racing for the Sunoco Modifieds, Patriot Sprint Tour (PST) 360 Sprint Cars, and the Worthington Industries Crate 602 Sportsman.

The Tuesday night affair features the return of the ‘Cole Cup’ for the 360 Sprint Cars, honoring promoter/owner Gene Cole.

The PST 360 Sprint Cars will race for 25-laps and a $3,000 payday plus $300 to take the green flag.

In five previous renditions of the ‘Cole Cup,’ Stewart Friesen won the first two in 2013 and 2014.

After rain canceled the 2015 edition, Mark Smith claimed the victory in the 2016 affair. ‘Racin’ Jason Barney followed up a ninth-place finish in 2016 with his only ‘Cole Cup’ victory in 2017.

2019 was the last time the ‘Cole Cup’ was run, after 2018 and 2021 fell by the wayside due to rain and 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Davie Franek was victorious in 2019.

The Sunoco Modifieds will replace windows with sail panels for 50-laps around the Route 5 oval for the Tuesday night special.

The final Sunoco Modified race of the season pays $5,000-to-win and $400 just to take the green flag.

2022 Track Champion Matt Sheppard leads Sunoco Modified competitors with 11 wins at the ‘Home of Heroes’ in 2022.

The Worthington Industries Crate 602 Sportsman round out the program, racing for 25-laps and a $1,000 payday and $100-to-start. Crate 602 Sportsman will compete under Short Track Super Series rules at this event.

For the October 4 event, all gates open at 4 p.m. Hot laps are scheduled for 6 p.m. with racing set to follow at 7 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $30 for Adults and $28 for Seniors (ages 65 & Up). Kids 11 and Under get in FREE.

Pit Admission is $40 for Utica-Rome Speedway Members and $45 for Non-Members.

The entire night of racing 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.