Supermodified'er Furlong Will Pilot New Generation Car in the 2006 Silver Crown

INDIANAPOLIS – Long-time USAC Silver Crown Series supporter and owner Jim Paternoster of Oswego, N.Y. announced yesterday he has tabbed Supermodified specialist Greg Furlong of Oswego to pilot his new generation car in the 2006 Silver Crown Series.

Paternoster, whose list of drivers over the past two seasons has included USAC champions Dave Darland and Jeff Gardner, as well as 2005 rookie Todd Beach, will utilize a Riley Technologies built chassis.

“I’m excited; I’m looking forward to this,” Paternoster said. “It’s a major step for competitors and for USAC. We’re going to get more recognition and higher purses. It’s going to enhance fan’s perspective of USAC, and I don’t see any downside to it. I look for this thing to mushroom. It’s going to be one of the next big things in auto racing, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

The 33-year-old Furlong, who will be a rookie in Silver Crown competition in 2006, has spent several seasons competing at Oswego Speedway in Supermodifieds, and has captured some of the track’s top honors. He holds the track record and has won four International Classic trophies and three track championships. Furlong has 34 career Supermodified victories.

While his new endeavors will limit his Oswego appearances to a handful, Furlong is looking forward to his new challenges.

“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming 2006 season driving for Jimmy,” Furlong said. “His team is top notch, and I feel that he has paid his dues in the series. We are both hoping for great things in 2006. I feel that my experience in driving the ultra-quick, open-wheeled Supermodifieds at Oswego will help make this transition to the Silver Crown series a smooth one. I’m excited to compete on the one-mile and mile-and-a-half tracks. These are all outstanding facilities.”

The team expects to be ready for the 2006 season-opening “Copper World Classic” Jan. 21-22 at Phoenix International Raceway. Primary sponsorship is expected to be released soon.

Riley Technologies has sold two other cars: one to co-owners Johnny Vance – a long-time series supporter – and multiple-time Indianapolis 500 starter Eliseo Salazar, and another to Sam Pierce Racing, which has commissioned PDM Racing to run the operation.