From Indy runner-up to minor leagues: Munoz heads back to Lights after 2nd-place finish in 500

Carlos Munoz, of Colombia, gets service on his car during a pit stop during the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press)

Tony Kanaan, second from right, of Brazil, passes Ryan Hunter-Reay (1) on the 197th lap to takes the lead on his way to winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 26, 2013. Carlos Munoz, of Colombia, (26) finished second, Ray finished third, and Marco Andretti (25) finished fourth. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) (The Associated Press)

INDIANAPOLIS – Carlos Munoz finished second in the Indianapolis 500 as a 21-year-old rookie.

Now, it's back to the minors.

What a bummer!

Munoz finished behind Tony Kanaan in a thrilling race Sunday that ended up a yellow flag, silencing those skeptics who fretted the young Colombian merely had a fast car but not nearly enough experience to handle his IndyCar debut on such a challenging track. He stayed out of trouble all day and handled his car skillfully in traffic, leading five times for a total of 12 laps.

But this was a one-off for Munoz in the IndyCar series. His main job is driving for Michael Andretti's team in Indy Lights, a struggling developmental series that has only about 10 regular competitors. Munoz says that remains his primary focus.