G&I HOMES OF VERNON PRO STOCKS AND NOVICE SPORTSMAN ADDED THIS SUNDAY, MAY 22, JOINING RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIEDS AND GO NUCLEAR LATE MODELS

VERNON, NY- With three consecutive rainouts, Utica-Rome Speedway has decided to add one the divisions that was scheduled for a week off this Sunday, May 22, as well as test a new one for future consideration.   

The G&I Homes of Vernon Pro Stocks will now compete in a complete point event as part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, joining the Race of Champions Dirt Modified Series in the 9th running of the Victoria 200 at Utica-Rome Speedway.  The RoC Modifieds will compete in a 55 lap affair for $5,500 to win.  Joining the Modifieds and the G&I Homes of Vernon Pro Stocks will be the GO Nuclear Late Models Series in the 3rd running of the Gnome Cup. 

Something new this Sunday will be the initial running of the Novice Sportsman division at Utica-Rome Speedway.  The Novice Sportsman division is designed to allow new drivers, with less than a year of experience in full size race cars, a chance to compete in a class with drivers with similar experience without the pressure of competing with some of the SUNY Canton 602 Sportsman veterans.  This class is designed provide seat time for less experienced drivers, and no points will be tallied and have minimal purse.  Since adding the SUNY Canton 602 Sportsman division last season, Utica-Rome Speedway has explored the possibility of adding a novice division, and this Sunday will be a step in that direction. 

The Broedel Energy Open Sportsman and SUNY Canton 602 Sportsman will not be in competition.  A combination of added car counts in the visiting series and an attempt to reduce any conflict with neighboring tracks led to this decision during the offseason.  The Broedel Energy Open Sportsman are invited to compete in the Race of Champions event provided they the tire and technical requirements. 

This Sunday, May 22, will be sponsored by Sunoco Race Fuels and gates will open at 3 p.m.  On track action, beginning with time trials is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.  For more information, including competitors notes for the RoC Modifieds, please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315) 829-4557.