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.

With over 100 years of experience, Gates-Cole Auto Insurance has become a trusted name in Central New York when providing customers with all their insurance needs. Auto Insurance, Life Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Fire Insurance, Business Insurance, or whatever else you need insured, Gates-Cole Insurance has you covered. With 10 locations in the region, Gates-Cole makes it easy for you to get the quote you need. Whether you do it in person, on the phone, or online, their excellent customer service will meet all your insurance needs. For more information on Gates-Cole Insurance including locations, log on to www.gatescole.com. For outstanding service by outstanding people, make sure you call Gates-Cole Insurance for all your insurance needs.

Federated Auto Parts is a nationally known distribution network of auto parts and many other products. Federated strives to provide both the trained professional and the do-it-yourselfer with quality products that meet or exceed O.E.M. specifications and are made by America’s top automotive part manufacturers. Headquartered in Staunton, Virginia, Federated Auto Parts is dedicated to supporting its customers with quality name brand parts, programs designed to grow their businesses, and experienced counter people who are knowledgeable in today’s evolving automotive technology. To find then closest Federated Auto Parts store closest to you, visit www.federatedautoparts.com/stores.aspx.

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.