Manchester, Conn., resident, Rob Summers will pilot a USAC Silver Crown car for Jim Paternoster in a 75-lap event at the 1.058-mile New Hampshire International Speedway on Saturday afternoon. Summers, who regularly campaigns Super Modifieds with Howie Lane and NASCAR Modifieds with the TG Racing team is looking forward to the new opportunity.
    “It will be a challenge,” stated Summers. “Seventy five laps will be a true test at New Hampshire for the USAC cars, I’ve haven’t had the opportunity to drive one yet, so Saturday morning when we head out for practice it will be the first time I’ve sat in one. I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
    Paternoster contacted Summers about a week ago with the opportunity and Summers jumped at the chance. “Jim (Paternoster) has a good reputation in USAC and his cars perform well,” explained Summers. “I have plenty of seat time at New Hampshire so once I get the feel of the car, we go to work on making it better.”
    Summers best previous finish at NHIS is a third in 2001 in a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race. The Crazy Gringo Mexican Restaurant in Weirs Beach, N.H., is bringing additional funding to help Summers make Silver Crown effort at the ‘Magic Mile’.
    “We’re happy to have the restaurant come on board,” offered Summers. “We can’t forget any of our other supporters. Saturday afternoon should be interesting come race time. Hopefully, we can give everyone a competitive ride.”
    The USAC Silver Crown event in which Summers will be driving the number 41 machine, will take place on Saturday afternoon at NHIS, immediately following the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event.