Newsmakers of the Week // Bill & Kim Shea

Bill and Kim Shea of Oneida, N.Y, were wholly unknown to the world of auto racing – until last week.

 That’s when the couple announced tthey had purchased Utica Rome Speedway from previous owner Gene Cole.

 The sale ended almost constant speculation over the last several years about who was going to buy a place rich in history and held in high regard in the region.

 The Sheas have limited experience but plenty of enthusiam for their bold new venture. Utica Rome has, after all, developed several major, marquee events.

 How the Sheas will fare is hard to predict.  What is certain is that short track racing has found some new blood.  In age when tracks close with alarming frequency, Bill and Kim Shea have made big news by purchasing one.