Written by Chris Moore

VERNON, NY – When Utica-Rome Speedway runs its final race of the 2022 season, the ‘Cole Cup’ will return for the first time since 2019 on Tuesday, October 4.

The race – in recognition of longtime speedway owner and promoter Gene Cole – rewards the A-Verdi Storage Containers Patriot Sprint Tour (PST) 360 Sprint Car winner with a $5,000 payday.

Fonda, N.Y.’s Danny Varin claimed the only PST 360 Sprint Car win of the season at the ‘Home of Heroes’ back on June 17.

The ‘Cole Cup’ returns for the first time since 2019 when Wantage, N.J.’s Davie Franek won the 50-lap main event.

Franek outdueled the ‘Cobra,’ Chuck Hebing and Stephentown, N.Y.’s Matt Tanner for the win.

The first ever ‘Cole Cup’ took place back in 2013: Sprakers, N.Y.’s Stewart Friesen won the inaugural affair. The now all-time winningest Modified driver at the speedway topped Canadian Steve Poirier and Syracuse, N.Y.’s Shawn Donath for the win.

Friesen repeated as the 2014 winner over his wife Jessica Friesen and Steve Poirier, who claimed another podium finish.

After 2015 fell by the wayside due to rain, 360 Sprint Car star Mark Smith claimed his one and only ‘Cole Cup’ victory over Danny Varin and Chuck Hebing in 2016.

Racin’ Jason Barney claimed his lone ‘Cole Cup’ victory one year later in 2017. Barney topped Elizabethtown, N.Y. native Mike Mahaney and Central Pennsylvania star Lucas Wolfe for the victory.

The 2018 and 2021 ‘Cole Cup’ races were annexed due to rain, with 2020 falling victim to COVID-19 regulations.

Now in 2022, the ‘Cole Cup’ returns for a 30-lap A-Main with $5,000 up for grabs in the season finale at the Route 5 oval.

Joining the PST 360 Sprint Cars will be the Sunoco Modifieds going for 50-laps and their own $5,000 top prize.

The Modifieds will slap on sail panels in the ‘Modern Day Outlaw 50’ paying $5,000 to the winner.

The Worthington Industries Crate 602 Sportsman will complete the Tuesday night program, going for 25-laps and $1,000 winner’s share.

All gates open at 4 p.m. on Oct. 4. Hot laps hit the track at 6 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $30 for Adults, $28 for Seniors (ages 65 and up) and Kids 11 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $40 for members and $45 for non-members (ages 13 and up). Kids (ages 6-12) pay $10 and Children (ages 5 and under) pay $2.

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.