PERFECT BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR RICHARD ANTINUCCI : FRESH INK ON NEW CONTRACT

DEFENDING INDY PRO SERIES CHAMP TEAM — SAM SCHMIDT MOTORSPORTS — RECRUITS 27-YEAR OLD TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ALEX LLOYD AND FELLOW CHAMPS

Friday, February 1, 2008

SAN DIEGO, CA. — Sam Schmidt Motorsports has announced today that it has signed two-time Indy Pro Series race winner Richard Antinucci to drive one of the Indianapolis outfit’s cars in the 2008 Indy Pro Series campaign. The announcement was a nice birthday present for the San Diego-based driver, as he turned 27 on January 26th. "Happy Birthday, and welcome aboard," team owner Sam Schmidt said.

"You can describe this as a great birthday present," Antinucci said. "People have been saying, 'Oh, you're in Florida, you're not back home in California for your birthday,' but the thing is, I've got my birthday present. This is my life. It's the best thing I could have."

In 2007, driving for his uncle, 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever, Antinucci made nine starts in the Indy Pro Series, all at non-oval venues. As the season ended, Antinucci became a hot driver having placed in the top five in his last four races, including two wins and a second-place finish. He proved to be quite a challenging competitor for 2007 Indy Pro Series Champion and Sam Schmidt Motorsports alum, Alex Lloyd. Schmidt said, "Richard was someone we always kept an eye on at the road courses last year when he drove for his uncle, and we're really confident in his potential for a great year in 2008. We're excited to see what he can do in one of our cars this season."

"I'm thrilled," Antinucci said. "This is the kind of opportunity I've been waiting for. I'm very excited about learning oval racing as well. I think Sam and his team run a top-notch outfit. I am the only driver in their line-up who has posted IPS wins and this means they expect a lot from me. I am absolutely aware of the responsibility this entails, and I really look forward to prove them that they've made the right pick." Antinucci believes this will be another solid step before accomplishing his ultimate career goals in racing and hopes to follow the footsteps of those before him.

He added, "Indy Pro isn't just a feeder series. It's a developmental series for the top flight of the IndyCar Series, which is my next goal. To see guys like Alex Lloyd and Jay Howard go forward in the last two years is another great incentive to be with this team. On top of that, to work with Sam's engineering staff, to get to work with such a professional team, is contagious. It's very motivating." Prior to making his debut in the U.S., Antinucci spent several years in the international formula car ranks, winning among others titles the 2003 Intercontinental F3 crown.

Outside of racing, Antinucci splits his time between San Diego and Indianapolis. He enjoys training, cycling, and surfing. He is of American and Italian heritage, and along with his native English language, he’s fluent in Italian and French.