Written by Chris Moore

VERNON, NY – Utica-Rome Speedway’s first on-track action of the 2024 season is officially complete.

Ninety-six race cars packed the pit area for the Tuesday night test and tune session to shake down their machines in advance of Friday night’s Season Opener.

The Taylor’s Trailers Crate 602 Sportsman led the way with 31 competitors registered for practice.

Savannah, N.Y.’s Matt Sheppard put down the fastest time of the night for the 3 Bastards Brewing Modifieds in the second session. With a time of 17.666 seconds, Sheppard posted a lap fast enough to break the track record (17.747 seconds) had the lap come under racing or qualifying conditions.

Twenty 3 Bastards Brewing Modifieds took part in the Tuesday Open Practice.

Also on hand were the Next Generation Graphix Pro Stocks, Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman, Fonda Fair Four Cylinders, Allstar Slingshots, Junior Slingshots, M2 Metal Crate Late Models, Sprint Cars, Vintage Cars, go-karts, and a Mini-Sprint.

Attention now turns to this Friday’s (April 19) ‘Alex Friesen Remembered Season Opener’ at the Home of Heroes.

Utica-Rome Speedway honors a former promoter and racer at the speedway with a 30-lap, $6,800-to-win main event for the 3 Bastards Brewing Modifieds.

The Taylor’s Trailers Crate 602 Sportsman, Next Generation Graphix Pro Stocks, Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman, and Fonda Fair Four Cylinders will join the Modifieds for the opening night affair.

Utica-Rome Speedway points begin in all divisions. A draw/redraw format will be in place.

Gates open at 5 p.m., with hot laps at 6:45 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $22 (Adults), $20 (Seniors ages 65 and over) and Kids 11 and under are FREE.

Pit admission is $45 (Non-Members), $40 (Members), $10 Kids (ages 6-12) and $2 Children ages 5 and under.

In the event of rain on Friday, the event will be run on Sunday, April 21. Pit gates open at 1 p.m., grandstand gates at 2 p.m., with hot laps at 3:30 p.m. and racing at 4:30 p.m.

The event will be broadcast live 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 the speedway can be reached by phone at 315.953.4097.  Like Utica-Rome Speedway on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @UR_Speedway.