Antinucci back in the lead

Richard Antinucci didn’t hesitate when asked “What is your next step in your career?" after his runner-up finish in the Firestone Freedom 100 on May 23.

“Indy without Lights," said Antinucci, who is back on top the Firestone Indy Lights point standings.

The way Antinucci is progressing in Firestone Indy Lights – either first or second in four of the first five races of the 16-event season – uncle Eddie Cheever Jr. might be inclined to put together a program for the 93rd Indianapolis 500 if a full-season IndyCar Series team doesn’t contract his services.

Antinucci, 27, driving the No. 7 Lucas Oil/Sam Schmidt Motorsports car, challenged pole sitter Dillon Battistini of Panther Racing throughout the 40-lap race on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.

“We tried to take it easy at the beginning because I think the majority of the field was having problems already with the rubbered-in track," said Antinucci, who started sixth. “We ran really conservative, with a lot of downforce. We were really quick in the corners. I think we were the quickest out there. I just kept hitting the (rev) limiter.

“But congratulations to Panther and Battistini. They did a good job. He was running those times by himself, without a tow – pretty good."

After competing on road/street courses last year in the series, Antinucci has been a quick study on the ovals this season. Next up is the first short track of the season – The Milwaukee Mile on June 1.