VERNON, NY – Due to cold and wet conditions, Tuesday night’s second Open Practice at Utica-Rome Speedway has been canceled. All systems are “go” for the 2023 Season Opener at the half-mile oval this Friday, April 21.

Late promoter Alex Friesen – who held Utica-Rome as one of his numerous assets before an untimely passing in 1996 – will be honored with the ‘Alex Friesen Remembered’ event this Friday night. The Modified division will compete for a $6,800 payday after 30 laps at the Home of Heroes, recognizing Friesen’s No. 68.

The event kicks off both the Utica-Rome Speedway championship battle and offers NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series points.

Friesen, incidentally, operated Utica-Rome under a NASCAR sanction during his stint as promoter.

Utica-Rome Speedway weekly rules will be in effect for this event. The tire rule is as follows: Right-Rear – American Racer 48 or harder; Left-Rear American Racer 44 or harder; Right-Front – American Racer 38 or harder; Left-Front – any American Racer tire.

The event will feature a draw/redraw format.

A boosted pay structure will be offered throughout the top-10 finishers: 1 – $6,800; 2 – $3,000; 3 – $1,200; 4 – $900; 5 – $750; 6 – $650; 7 – $625; 8 – $600; 9 – $575; 10 – $550.

Also in competition will be the Worthington Industries Crate 602 Sportsman, Next Generation Graphix Pro Stocks, Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman and Fonda Fair Four Cylinders.

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

Adult grandstand admission is $22. Seniors (ages 65 and over) pay $20 and Kids 11 and under are FREE.

Pit admission is $40 (ages 13 and up), $35 (NASCAR or Utica-Rome Member), $10 for Kids (ages 6-12) and $2 for Children ages 5 and under.

The event – and all Utica-Rome events – will be broadcast live on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv) as part of the $150 annual subscription.

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.