The Utica-Rome Speedway has seen more than its fair share of changes in its 56-year history. 2017 will see another change as the historic raceway switches gears and changes from being a NASCAR HomeTrack to a DIRTcar Racing track. While Utica-Rome enjoyed a 3-year run on the NASCAR circuit, owners felt it was time for a change.
This will be the first time in the past 10 years that the track has been sanctioned for DIRTcar events. The switch back to DIRTcar racing allows drivers to earn coveted home track points while racing at the speedway. “It was a way to entice drivers to come out and compete, which in hand, brings in more cars,” said co-owner Bill Shea about the new home-track point system. “More cars means more excitement for our fans.” In addition, one of the highlights of the 2017 season will be an appearance by the Lucas Pil Empire Sprints, Sunday July 2, 2017.
While winter can bring a lull period for speedways, Utica-Rome has the advantage of being able to convert the track into an ice oval race for snowmobiles. The first race next year will be held on Saturday, February 11. During the summer, Shea plans to include motocross and go-cart racing as well, making it a "one-stop-shop" for all types of racing fans. “It’s going to be an exciting year,” said Shea, who is in his third year of running Utica-Rome. “We’re learning every day on how to make it more exciting for our fans.”
To open the track to newer drivers, the speedway will be featuring a weekly lineup of a new Novice Sportsman division, open to drivers truly in a rookie class. With a fun lineup of races, drivers, and racing types, the 2017 season at the Utica-Rome Speedway will definitely be an exciting one and very fun for fans of all ages.
