VERNON, NY- With 100 percent chance of rain in the forecast for Saturday September 12 and high probability of precipitation forecasted for Sunday at the Utica-Rome Speedway, track official have regrettably cancelled the 3^rd annual Cole Cup.  The $10,000 to win event for 360 Sprint Cars was drawing attention from all over and was shaping up to be the most laden field to date.  The Stampede Steakhouse Modifieds was also scheduled to close out their NASCAR Whelen All-American Series point season.

A Sunday September 13 was originally set up for this event but track officials opted not to use the date due to the unfavorable forecast.  All drivers that sent in pre entries will have their entry fee mailed back to them in the coming days.  Plans are already in the works for the 2016 edition of the Cole Cup complete with a date change to make it more favorable for race teams and fans alike.

The decision to cancel early was made to save the teams traveling from out the area any unnecessary travel.

With the rainout, Matt Sheppard is now officially the 2016 Utica-Rome Speedway Stampede Steakhouse Modified champion and will collect the $13,000 that comes with it at the banquet in November.  Larry Wight will finish in the second spot ahead of Mike Mahaney, Pat Ward, and Vic Coffey.  Stewart Friesen, Matt Hulsizer, Mike Bowman, Tim Mayne, and Chris Mackey rounded out the top ten spots.  Sheppard also has a chance to boost his earnings as he currently sits in second in the New York State NASCAR Whelen All-America Series standings which, if he were to retain that spot, would be worth another $6,000.

The next event on the Utica-Rome Speedway is on Tuesday, October 6, when the 360 Sprints and Modifieds will be joined by Mod Lites.  Both the Sprints and Modifieds will compete in $3,000 to win events to kick off the week of speed that starts at the New York State Fairgrounds.  Then on Sunday, October 25, the “Greatest Show on Dirt” will make its first ever visit to the Vernon oval as the World of Outlaw Sprints come into town.

For more information about the Utica-Rome Speedway, please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315)829-4557.