Sonney Seamon's legendary No. 50 to pace Utica-Rome race

Sonney Seamon's legendary No. 50 to pace Big Block Modified Super Dirt Series field at Utica-Rome Speedway.

VERNON, NY -- The legendary No. 50 Sonney Seamon Coupe-bodied Asphalt Modified will be the honorary pace vehicle for the Tracey Road Equipment / Freightliner SelecTrucks 100-lap Advance Auto Parts Big Block Modified Super DIRT Series event at Utica-Rome Speedway on Thursday August 22.

The late Seamon, who resided in nearby Vernon Center, was one of the most popular drivers in the history of the speedway. Seamon won seven times on the original 1/3-mile asphalt track, and garnered three Modified track titles. His No. 50 has been affectionately restored by John Clark of Bouckville, and Clark will be the honorary driver of the popular vehicle in the pace laps before the 100-lap affair. Local racefans and competitors alike will love seeing the No. 50 back on the surface at Utica-Rome Speedway once again.

The return of the No. 50 Sonney Seamon Coupe will be just one of the highlights of the evening, as the Big Block Modifieds will roar at the fast half-mile for the third time since 1987, when they were a regular division at the track. Taking center stage will be the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series 100-lap Tracey Road Equipment / Freightliner SelecTrucks main event, featuring the very best names DIRT Motorsports has to offer.

Alan Johnson, Danny Johnson, Brett Hearn, Steve Paine, Bob McCreadie, Tim McCreadie, Chuck Bower, Tim Fuller, Vic Coffey, Gary Tomkins, Kenny Tremont, Jack Johnson, and all of the rest of the professional DIRT Motorsports touring stars will all be in action in the $6,000 to win, 100-lap affair. A host of the regular 358-Modified stars from Utica-Rome will also be in action, as the first track regular to finish the race in a 358-Modified will earn a Fulton Speedway "VICTORIA 200 All-Star Race Qualifying Spot" as well as a $300 bonus.

The DIRT Pro Stocks will also be in action on Tracey Road Equipment / Freightliner SelecTrucks night in a regular points show. Points leader Bret Belden will have his hands full as the top seven in track points are all within 21 points of each other. Denny Smith, Buddy Hencke, Jason Rood, Bill Knapp, Joe Palmer, and Jim Normoyle all have a shot at the title. Track management expects some invading Pro Stock teams from different tracks to be on hand to challenge the regulars and tune up for their Super DIRT Series event on scheduled for September 15. The race will prove to be important to the Pro Stock teams, as only two point races will be left at the completion.

Track gates on Thursday August 22 for the Tracey Road Equipment / Freightliner SelecTrucks 100 will open at 4pm. Time trials for the Modifieds will be at 6:30pm, with racing taking the green at 7pm. For more information on the return of the Big Block Modifieds on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series to Utica-Rome Speedway, contact the track office at (315) 829-4557 or visit www.uticaromespeedway.com.

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