VERNON, NY-The biggest 360 Sprint race in the region is upon us as this Saturday, September 12, it will be the 3^rd annual running of the Cole Cup which will see a whopping $10,000 to win go to the victor.  Many of the division’s best drivers will be on hand to try and add the Cole Cup trophy to their collection.  Also in action will be the Stampede Steakhouse Modifieds as they will compete in their final NASCAR Whelen All-American Series event of the season with the champion being crowned.  Gates-Cole Insurance and Bo-Mar & Armstrong Builders will present the night’s racing activities.

There are currently 24 cars pre entered for this Saturday’s Cole Cup with nearly two dozen more drivers expected to make the trek to the Vernon oval for the $10,000 top prize.  Many of the region’s top drivers including Steve Poirier, Chuck Hebing, Davie Franek, Jason Barney, Bryan Howland, Jeff Cook, Aaron Ott, and more have submitted their entries along with a couple of the speedway’s top Modified competitors, Larry Wight and Danny Varin.  Other entrants include Dave Axton, Cory Sparks, Paulie Colagiavanni, Rob Dietrick, Paul Kinney, Mike Stelter, Alysha and Darryl Ruggles, Shawn Donath, David Just, Scott Just, Parker Evans, Pete Richardson, Tommy Wickham, and Matt Tanner.

Other drivers have expressed interest in invading the Utica-Rome Speedway including URC’s Curt Michael who is coming off a third place run in the Cole Cup tune-up this past Sunday.  Sam Hafertepe Jr., who has won in the top national touring series World of Outlaws and All Star Circuit of Champions has this event on his schedule.  Word has come out of the camp of Brad Loyet, another top touring driver that he very well may end up adding his name to the mix this Saturday.  Many more drivers from the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints, Patriot Sprint Group, United Racing Club, and more are expected.

The past two events has seen Stewart Friesen become the only winner of this event but his schedule shows him running elsewhere this Saturday meaning there will be a new winner this weekend.  With its $10,000 to win top prize, $1,000 for 10^th, and $500 to start pay structure, the Cole Cup is top paying 360 Sprint event in the region.

In the companion Stampede Steakhouse Modifieds, Matt Sheppard has locked up the $13,000 Stampede Steakhouse Modified track championship but now he is looking to solidify his position in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series New York State rankings.  He is currently in the second spot in the state which would be worth another $6,000 for the driver out of Waterloo, NY.  Larry Wight is second in the track standings while Mike Mahaney is third.  Pat Ward is a mere five points behind Mahaney in fourth while Sunday’s main event winner Vic Coffey is fifth in the standings.  Stewart Friesen currently is sixth followed by Matt Hulsizer, Mike Bowman, Chris Mackey, and Tim Mayne round out the top ten.

Pit gates open at 4 p.m. this Saturday with at 7 p.m.  Adult admission is set at $25 for adults while students, military, and seniors are admitted at $20.  Kids 16and under will be admitted for $10.

The Utica-Rome Speedway is located just minutes from the New York State Thruway on Route 5 in Vernon, NY and campers are welcome.  For more information, including complete point standings, Cole Cup entry forms, and more please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com.  The speedway office can be contacted by calling (315)829-4557.