Antinucci to Sub for Kujala for Monterey, Road America Rounds

US RaceTronics has announced that 2015 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North American Champion Richard Antinucci will join the team for the season opener at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and also at Road America.

Antinucci will fill in for Patrick Kujala in the No. 17 Lamborghini of Beverly Hills Huracán Pro Am entry.

Kujala, who is the both the reigning LBST European Champion and also the LBST World Champion, will join the team beginning with Round 3 in Watkins Glen, NY after he fulfills his current commitments in Europe for Lamborghini.

Antinucci has competed in the first two rounds of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series already this season. The LBSTNA champion finished first and second at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Rounds 1 and 2 respectively last season.

“I’m really looking forward to rejoining forces with team owner Shane for the season opener as we brought each other good luck last year,” he said.

“I’m also very keen to work with Brian Thienes as teammates. He’s a talented driver and a great guy. Let’s go have some fun and push for gold.”

Team owner Shane Seneviratne is excited to be working with Antinucci again.

“We had such a great year last year with Richie,” Seneviratne said. “It was also a pleasure working with Richie at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in January where he set the fastest race lap in his class. He performed beyond everyone’s expectations.

“I had faith in him and am very happy to have him filling in for Patrick. He will be a valuable asset to our team and an instrumental factor in keeping momentum going for our entire team.

“I would love to continue to compete with Richie for the rest of the season and will continue to look at other opportunities to do so.”

Thienes who will co-drive with Antinucci and Kujala is looking forward to having another champion joining him in the No. 17 Lamborghini of Beverly Hills Huracán.

“I met Richie at Thermal and think he’s a great guy,” Thienes said. “I can’t wait to work with him. His knowledge and success at Laguna Seca will be a huge advantage for our team.”

The 2016 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North American Series will kick off next month at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway with Rounds 1 and 2. Catch the action April 29th through May 1st.