Richard Antinucci is to remain with Team 3G for the next two rounds of the IndyCar Series after a promising debut at Watkins Glen, the American hoping to turn the arrangement into a long-term deal.

The 3G squad – a new partnership between long-time entrant Greg Beck, marketing executive Steve Sudler, and ex-NASCAR driver Stanton Barrett - had struggled so far this season with Barrett and then Jaques Lazier driving. But it showed better form at Watkins Glen after recruiting Antinucci, who had not raced since finishing second to Raphael Matos in last year’s Indy Lights championship.

The 28-year-old got up to 13th in the race before being delayed by a suspension problem. He has now been invited to stay on for at least Toronto and Edmonton, and is optimistic that will be the start of a longer deal.

“This is a young team made up of very experienced guys who are just as passionate about competing as I am,” said Antinucci. “We are working hard to hopefully build a long-term program together. I would love to keep driving for these guys.”

Sudler confirmed that 3G was interested in building its future around Antinucci.

“We have had numerous meetings with potential sponsors for 2010 and Richard would be a great fit for many of them,” he said. “As we look towards building this team for the long term, we feel that Richard will be a great asset to our marketing partners.”