A Night for Bill: ESS Sprint Cars Headline July 4 Bill Shea Memorial at Utica-Rome

VERNON, NY – A night for Bill.

Bill Shea, a lifelong supporter of Utica-Rome Speedway as a fan, sponsor, car owner and promoter, will be remembered this Thursday, July 4 with a spectacular Independence Day event at the Home of Heroes.

Dirt Track Digest presents the second running of the Bill Shea Memorial, celebrating the life of a man who passed away far too soon in 2022 at age 67.

The lightning-fast Empire Super Sprints (ESS) 360 Sprint Cars make their 2024 debut at Utica-Rome competing for a $2,500 top prize. The Thursday stop at Utica-Rome serves as Round No. 2 of the five-race Speedweek through Central New York.

ESS Speedweek events attract the largest fields of 360 Sprint Cars assembled in New York State all summer.

3 Bastards Brewing Modifieds are set for a $4,000-to-win, 30-lap, non-points brawl on Thursday night. A draw/redraw format will be in place. Utica-Rome weekly rules apply. American Racer (approved compounds) or Hoosier tires will be permitted.

Taylor’s Trailers Crate 602 Sportsman compete in a 25-lap, $1,500-to-win event with a draw/redraw format. No points will be awarded. Limited Sportsman competitors are permitted to compete with the Crate 602 Sportsman. Utica-Rome weekly rules apply. American Racer (approved compounds) or Hoosier tires can be utilized.

Completing the program are the Next Generation GraphiX Pro Stocks, racing 20 laps for a $1,000 winner’s share. This non-points event will operate via draw/redraw with American Racer (approved compound) or Hoosier tires allowed. Utica-Rome rules apply.

Gates open at 4 p.m., with hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $25 (Adults), $23 (Seniors ages 65 and up) and Kids 11 and under are FREE.

Pit admission is $45 (Non-Members), $40 (Members), $10 Kids (ages 6-12) and $2 Children (ages 5 and under).

The event will be broadcast live on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv).

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.