VERNON, N.Y. — When Utica-Rome Speedway runs its final race of the season on Oct. 4, it will mark the return of the “Cole Cup” for the first time since 2019.
The race — in recognition of longtime speedway owner and promoter Gene Cole — rewards the A-Verdi Storage Containers Patriot Sprint Tour (PST) 360 Sprint Car winner with a $5,000 payday.
Danny Varin claimed the only PST 360 Sprint Car win of the season at the “Home of Heroes” back on June 17.
Davie Franek won the 50-lap main event in 2019, outdueling the “Cobra,” Chuck Hebing and Matt Tanner for the win.
The first ever “Cole Cup” took place back in 2013. Stewart Friesen won the inaugural affair. The now all-time winningest modified driver at the speedway topped Canadian Steve Poirier and Shawn Donath for the win.
Friesen repeated as the 2014 winner over his wife Jessica Friesen and Steve Poirier, who claimed another podium finish. After 2015 fell by the wayside due to rain, 360 Sprint Car star Mark Smith claimed his one and only “Cole Cup” victory over Danny Varin and Chuck Hebing in 2016.
Jason Barney claimed his lone “Cole Cup” victory one year later in 2017. Barney topped Mike Mahaney and Lucas Wolfe for the victory. The 2018 and 2021 “Cole Cup” races were annexed due to rain, with 2020 falling victim to COVID-19 regulations.
Now in 2022, the “Cole Cup” returns for a 30-lap A-Main with $5,000 up for grabs in the season finale at the Route 5 oval. Joining the PST 360 Sprint Cars will be the Sunoco Modifieds going for 50-laps and their own $5,000 top prize.