Another Exciting Weekly Show On Tap Sunday At Utica-Rome

Story By: JOHN TIFF / UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY – VERNON, NY – The final full month of weekly racing starts this Sunday, August 6, when Federated Auto Parts and Gates-Cole Auto Insurance present another exciting show.

On tap is the powerful Gates-Cole Auto Insurance Modifieds plus the Broedel Energy Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Novice Sportsman. Also, the fan favorite on track Autograph Night is also planned.

Matt Sheppard has continued his mastery of the Gates-Cole Auto Insurance Modified field this season as he is again leading the point standings over veteran Pat Ward, Bobby Varin, Tim Fuller, Danny Varin, Marc Johnson, Alan Johnson, Claude Hutchings Jr., Mike Mahaney, and Rob Bellinger. However, Sheppard’s march through the field, which begins deep in the field weekly, doesn’t come easy with the talented field that competes at the Vernon oval weekly. Sheppard also leads in the win category as well with four wins while Ward, Larry Wight, and Stewart Friesen have one victory each.

In the Broedel Energy Sportsman, Matt Janczuk leads the current rankings over a very tough field of racers. Consistency has been the key for the winless Janczuk as he leads over Chris Mackey, AJ Filbeck, Kyle Inman, AJ Miller, Rocky Warner, Kyle Kiehn, Brent Joy, Jason Rood, and Dave Moyer. Warner has powered his Jake Spraker owned mount to four wins on the season while Dave Marcuccilli has two wins. Mark Effner and Alan Fink also have wins to their credit this season.

A look at the always exciting Pro Stock standings shows three-time winner Mike Welch leading the way over the most recent winner Shane Henderson. Jim Normoyle, Bill Knapp, and Ernie Staelens round out the top five spots. This past Sunday’s feature event was decided by just .027 seconds as Henderson recorded his first ever Utica-Rome Speedway win, ending Welch’s bid to win four consecutive features.

The Novice Sportsman will be in action as well, as less experienced drivers look to gain seat time against their peers. So far this season, Joe Abass and Tom Juno have recorded wins in the new division.

During intermission, drivers will be asked to bring their cars to the front stretch as part of the popular Autograph Night. Fans of all ages will be able to meet their favorite drivers and see their cars up close. This event is especially popular for many of the younger fans.

Gates will open this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. with racing set to begin at 7 p.m. Adult grandstand admission is just $13 while children 16 and under are free.

For more information, please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315) 829-4557. Utica-Rome Speedway also frequently updates their Facebook and Twitter pages.