Milka Duno LATEST SNIPPET Milka Duno Accomplishes Goals at Homestead-Miami Speedway   Direct access to this web page:  http://bit.ly/d3bvtk Bio Snippets Racing Highlights Photo Gallery News Releases - 2014 News Releases - 2013 News Releases - 2012 News Releases - 2011 Milka Duno Impressive in ARCA Racing Series Testing at Daytona International Speedway The Women Take the Lead Sanctioning body places Duno on probation Milka Duno Off Track Giving Back Milka Duno Signs with Dale Coyne Racing Milka Duno’s Stock Car Racing Debut Affected By Power Issues And Major Pile-Up Milka Ready for Daytona Test Milka Duno to test stock car at Dayton Duno's Daytona Debut Marks Return of Braun Racing Duno to receive ALMA award Milka Duno's Story Awarded Best Young Adult Sports/Recreation Book of 2009 2010 IRL Race Schedule & Results 2009 IRL Race Schedule & Results 2008 IRL Race Schedule & Results and Standings 2007 IRL Race Schedul & Results and Standings Contact: www.milkaduno.com , E-Mail Danica & Duno News Releases 2014 Milka Duno Accomplishes Goals at Homestead-Miami Speedway Milka Duno Makes Historic NASCAR Debut at Kansas Speedway News Releases - 2013 Duno 29th in ARCA Series Race at Talladega Superspeedway Duno Finishes 14th in ARCA Series Race at Mobile International Speedway Duno Shines, Leads Laps in ARCA Series Season Opener at Daytona News Releases - 2012 Duno Delivers Top-Ten Finish at New Jersey Motorsports Park Milka Duno Profiled on CNN International Beginning June 12 Milka Way is Duno’s Successful Educational News Releases - 2011 The Women Take the Lead Milka Duno and Sheltra Motorsports Team Geared Up For Iowa Speedway Strong Top-Five Run Cut Short for Milka Duno at Salem Speedway Milka Duno Qualifies Eighth at Talladega Superspeedway Milka Duno Gearing Up for Successful Debut at Talladega Milka Duno Teams With Sheltra Motorsports for 2011 Season Milka Duno’s Strong Run Ends Early at Daytona Milka Duno Aiming for Strong Finish at Daytona International Speedway Milka Duno Excels in Test at Newly-Paved Daytona International Speedway Milka Duno to run the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona - February 2011 News Releases - 2010 Sanctioning body places Duno on probation Milka Duno: Indy 250 Iowa Firestone 550k Race in Texas   News Releases - 2008 Milka Duno makes Her Indycar Series Road Course Debut at Camping World Gran Prix at Watkins Glen - 7/8/08 Handling issues Force Milka Duno out Early at Iowa Speedway - 6/24/08 Milka Duno Finishes 17th at Bombardier Learjet 550K at Texas Motor Speedway - 6/9/08 Milka Duno finishes 19th at 92nd Indy 500 Race - 5/26/08 Milka Duno Qualifies for 92nd Indy 500 - 5/19/08 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Completes Kansas Weekend - 4/29/08 Milka Duno's Strong Performance Cut Short due to Incident at Homestead-Miami Speedway - 3/31/08 Engine Problems Force Duno Out Early in Daytona - 1/28/08 Milka Duno scheduled to race in the 24 Hours of Daytona - 1/21/08 2007 Duno Finishes 15th at Chicagoland Speedway, Obstacles Along the Way - 9/9/07 Milka Duno Heads to Berlin for Role in "Speed Racer" Movie - 8/9/07 Fuel System Problems Forces Duno Out Early in Michigan - 8/6/07 CITGO Racing Unveils New Car; Tomas Enge Returns to Assist with Setup - 7/30/07 Milka Duno to Miss Nashville Race - 7/12/07 Milka Duno Finishes Early Due to Injury at Richmond International Raceway - 6/30/07 Duno Finishes Early at Iowa Corn Indy 250 - 6/24/07 Duno Finishes in 11th Place at Texas, Third Race for Rookie - 6/10/07 Duno Practice Session cut Shirt not driver issue - 6/7/07 Milka Receives Key to City of Indianapolis - 6/1/07 Milka Duno's Historic Indy 500 Run Cut Short 5/28/07 Milka Duno Qualifies for the 91st Running of Indianapolis 500 - 5/22/07 Duno's First Week at Indy - 5/10/07 Milka Duno Finishes Well in Debut Indycar Race - 4/29/07 Milka Duno Passes Indycar Rookie Test - 4/27/07 Milka Duno to Start Indycar Series with Two Keys - 4/4/07 Milka Duno Finishes 4th in Last Sportscar Race before starting IRL 3/24/07 Milka Duno Joins Indycar Series for part of 2007 Season 3/23/07 Milka Duno Third in Driver Point Standings after Mexico Race 3/5/07 Milka Duno Scores Highest Finish in 45 year history of the 24 Hours of Daytona Duno and Team to Start 5th Tomorrow at Rolex 24 Milka Duno Honored with Prestigious Venezuelan Sports Award Milka Duno to Receive 2006 FAMA Award Citco Racing's Salt Lake City Race Report Duno takes 8th at the 24 Hours of Dayton, 2006 Rolex Series Schedule-2023 2005 Season Franchittis Team with Duno, McGarrity for Daytona 24 Mechanical Problems End Rolex Season for CITGO Racing Triple Rolex Series Race Winner Featured in CITGO Billboard Campaign Milka's So Fast, She's in Seven Cities at the Same Time First in 24 Years Wallace, Duno Ready for California Challenge Wallace, Duno and Lammers Take First Win of 2005 Wallace, Duno Charge to Fourth at Fontana Related Issue: Women Racers Directory, Women in Racing, Women Racers, More Women in Racing, Race Schedules, Notable Women Bio Name: Milka Duno Birthday: April 22, 1972 Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela Profession: Naval Engineer with four Master's degrees, three of which were earned simultaneously. Fashion/glamour icon featured in numerous magazines including Vogue, Esquire and Selecta. Talent, beauty and youth are just a few of the many adjectives that define the image of Milka Duno. By education and training a Naval Engineer with four master’s degrees – in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Maritime Business and Marine Biology – Milka earned the last three simultaneously. The first Latin American women driver ever to be classified "expert", Milka's professional driving career reaches new heights each year. She has participated in many international races and has driven a wide selection of race cars, including the Porsche Supercup, Ferrari Challenge 355, Formula 2000 Dodge, Reynard Dodge 98E, Panoz GT-RA, Dodge Viper GTS, Coloni Nissan CN1/C, and Reynard-Judd 01-Q, the Lola B2K/40/Judd, Dome S-101/Judd, Dallara AES/Nissan and the Panoz LMP07. As “Venezuelan Auto Racing Driver of the Year” in 2000 and “American Le Mans Series 2001 Vice Champion Driver” in the 675LMP class, Milka has attracted the attention of motorsport fans worldwide - and from influential people in the organizational and competitive areas of motorsport in the USA and Europe. In 2002 Milka became the first woman in the history of sportscar racing to pilot the fastest and most technologically-advanced sportscar in the world – the Le Mans Prototype 900, and the first woman in history to pilot the fastest car in the Open Telefonica World Series – the last step on the ladder to Formula One. Combining beauty, brains and lightning-fast reflexes, Milka is arguably one of the most charismatic and talented drivers of her generation. This rising woman star is no slouch behind the wheel either - in her short career, the beautiful naval engineer has become one of the most popular drivers on racetracks all over the world, garnering considerable attention from the national and international motorsports and mainstream media. Milka began her racing career in Venezuelan club racing in 1996-1997, finishing 2nd in the Venezuelan GT Championship. In 1998, her first year of professional racing, Milka scored two podium finishes and placing 4th overall in the Venezuelan Porsche Supercup Championship. Milka also headed to the United States to compete in the Barber Dodge 2000 series. 1999 saw Milka competing in the United States and scoring 3rd overall in the Women’s Global GT Series Championship – and again in the Barber Dodge 2000. 2000 was a very busy year, and brought further success to Milka as she not only won her first race of the year – but the Panoz GT Series Championship as well. Moving up the ladder in the Barber series Milka raced the Barber Dodge Pro Series - with races on ovals all across America. Milka attended and excelled in the Derek Daly Academy Advanced Formula course and conducted several tests during the year in Formula 2000. Milka also scored a top podium finish in a Ferrari Challenge race at Road Atlanta in a Ferrari F-355 – becoming the first woman to ever win a Ferrari Challenge race in the United States – and the second in the world. It continued to be a stellar year for Milka with an additional two podiums in the Ferrari Challenge – and her debut in the prestigious American Le Mans Series. Milka competed in the ALMS in a Dodge Viper GTS and finished 3rd in class in the series’ 2000 season finale in Australia. At the very popular Homestead-Miami oval Milka participated in the Richard Petty Driving School. Well on her way to gaining international notoriety, Milka became the only female driver running a regular schedule in the 2001 ALMS Championship – piloting an LMP 675 – yet another step-up the racing ladder. In this very competitive class Milka won four races, including the 1000 Miles of Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and ended the season as the “American Le Mans Series 2001 Vice Champion Driver” in the LMP 675 class. 2001 also had Milka competing in a Dodge Viper in the legendary Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona – finishing 6th in class. She also contested the most famous sportscar race in the world – the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. Also in 2001, her previous racing performances prompted invitations to participate in Open Telefonica, the most important single seat racing series in Europe - after Formula One. In this series, Milka drove a Coloni Nissan CN1/C with the Vergani Racing team, which finished second in the 2000 and 2001 championship. In her first season, she became the first woman ever to score points in this prestigious European series. 2002 was a very busy year for this truly international driver. Milka once again participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – being the only woman among 149 drivers. And in the 2002 American Le Mans Series, Milka became the first woman in history to pilot sportscar’s fastest race car – the LMP 900. Milka distinguished herself in the most competitive car – in the most competitive class – in the most competitive sportscar series in the world – by finishing an amazing 12th out of 54 drivers. Milka also continued in Europe’s Open Telefonica and at the end of that season Milka stepped-up in class in this series and raced in the last two races in the World Series category – becoming the first woman in history to ever do so. In 2003, Milka completed yet another season in Europe's World Series by Nissan. Milka was also invited by Porsche to compete as a VIP Driver in the Porsche Supercup race as part of the Formula One Grand Prix of Spain in May 2003, and by Toyota to compete in their 27th annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity race as part of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in April, 2003. In both of these prestigious events, Milka was the first Latina in history invited to participate. Milka is both proud and excited to be racing in 2004 with CITGO Racing and will compete full season in the Rolex Sports Car Championship Series with the highly accomplished Andy Wallace as her co-driver in the Howard Boss Motorsport #2 Pontiac Crawford Daytona Prototype - where the duo scored their first win at the Grand Prix of Miami this February. With this win Milka became the first woman in history to achieve an overall win in a major North American sports car race. Milka continues to distinguish herself on a variety of tracks - and in a variety of cars - and has proven to be well on her way to becoming one of the most skilled multi-diciplined drivers in the world. Source: www.milkaduno.com Snippets Milka Duno Makes Historic NASCAR Debut at Kansas Speedway *     *     * Duno Finishes 14th in ARCA Series Race at Mobile International Speedway *     *     * Duno Shines, Leads Laps in ARCA Series Season Opener at Daytona *     *     * Duno Delivers Top-Ten Finish at New Jersey Motorsports Park *     *     * Milka Duno Profiled on CNN International Beginning June 12. *     *     * Milka Is Looking for Outstanding Students to Honor! *     *     * Milka Way is Duno’s Successful Educational. *     *     * Milka Duno Impressive in ARCA Racing Series Testing at Daytona International Speedway *     *     * Strong Top-Five Run Cut Short for Milka Duno at Salem Speedway. *     *     * Duno to lineup outside row four in 3 Amigos 250 at Talladega and finished the 94 laps in 19th of 39 slots. *   *   * Duno to lineup outside row four in 3 Amigos 250. *   *   * Milka Duno Gearing Up for Successful Debut at Talladega *   *   * Milka Duno selected as an ambassador for Univision's Es El Momento education initiative. *   *   * Milka Duno’s Strong Run Ends Early at Daytona *   *   * Milka Duno Aiming for Strong Finish at Daytona International Speedway *   *   * Duno ready for ARCA season opener February 12th *   *   * Milka Duno Pairs with Sheltra Motorsports for the Running of Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway *   *   *   In the final race of the 2010 IndyCar series, Milka started 27th and ended 24th. She ecumulated enough points in her 16 races to finish 23rd of 41 racers for the season. *   *   * Milka finished the Sonoma race, eight laps down. She started in 24th and finished 22nd. *   *   * Milka finished the Mid-Ohio race, four laps down. She started in 27th and finished 23rd. *   *   * Milka finished four laps in Edmonton and returned to the pits with handling problems ending her day in the 25th place. *   *   * Milka Duno and Tony Kanaan start at the back of the field since neither one was able to record a time or speed during qualifying. *   *   * Milka started 25th but dropped out on the 8th lap at Toronto with handling problems and finished 26th. *   *   * A spin during qualifying for the Iowa Corn Indy 250 on Saturday over the bump in turn 2 sent Milka into the wall and brought an end to what started to look like a top-ten qualifying position. Duno got out of the car and was transported to the track's medical center and was quickly released and cleared to drive in Sunday's 250-lap race. *   *   * Milka Duno (gridded 24th) at St. Pete and had handling problems, leaving the race after only seven laps and finishing where she started. *   *   * Milka Duno (gridded 24th), Simona gridded 14th and Danica Patrick (gridded 21st) at St. Pete.. The race was rain delayed and rescheduled for Monday, March 29th at 10am EST. *   *   * Milka finished 21st at San Paulo, Brasil, in the first race of the 2010 IndyCar season. *   *   * Milka Duno has joined Dale Coyne Racing for the full 2010 IndyCar season. *     *     * Milka started the ARCA Daytona 200 around 36th and got caught up in a big crash on lap 6 that took out 8 other cars including Leilani Munter. Milka finished 43rd.   *     *     * Milka's 2-lap Qualifying for the 2010 ARCA Racing Series at Daytona February 6th, placed her 36 out of 47 and 4th out of 6 women. *     *     * Milka Duno is the first Venezuelan Athlete to be inducted into the Latin Americna International Sports Hall of Fame. *     *     * Milka tested a Toyota stock car in ARCA Racing Series with Braun Racing at Daytona. tested for the 2010. She was the 3rd fastest woman and 17th out of 60 drivers. *     *     * Milka was gridded 17th at Homestead and finished 17th. She finished a partial season in 24th overall.   *     *     * IndyCar Series driver Milka Duno has been selected as a Special Achievement Honoree in the sports category as part of the NCLR ALMA Awards. *     *     * Milka gridded 21st at Sonoma and finished 16th. *     *     * Milka started 15th at Kentucky and finished in 20th. *     *     * Milka was gridded 19th at Watkins Glen and finished 17th. *     *     * Milka was gridded 20th at Texas Motor Speedway and finished 23rd out of 24 cars when Graham Rahal took her out on the second lap.. *     *     * In her first race of the year (2009), Milka gridded 12th and finished 16th of 22 cars at Kansas Speedway. *     *     * Milka started in 18th position and ended in 21st after an accident at Kentucky Speedway *     *     * Milka is gridded 26th at Mid-Ohio , about 5 mph slower than the pole. She finished in the 23rd position. *     *     * Milka gridded 16th and finished 17th at Nashville. Next week, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course *     *     * Milka was knocked out at Watkins Glen with only 12 laps to go. Her next race will be at Nashville Superspeedway July 12. *     *     * Milka was gridded 22nd at Iowa Speedway but was black-flagged and finished in last place. *     *     * Milka is gridded 22nd for the next race at Iowa Speedway . Positions were determined by points standings since qualifying was rained out. *     *     * Milka was gridded 27th for the Texas Motor Speedway and finished 17th. The next race is at Iowa Speedway. *     *     * Milka is gridded 27th for the Texas Motor Speedway with a qualifying speed of 213.238. *     *     * All three women were knocked out of the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 . Buddy Lazier took out Milka Duno, Tony Kanaan took out Sarah Fisher, and Ryan Briscoe knocks out Danica Patrick. Milka started 27th and finished 19th. *     *     * Milka has a bit role playing competitor Kellie Gearbox in Speed Racer which is in theaters now. Bump Day starts Saturday. *     *     * Milka ran a 223.614 during Practice 4 for the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 9th. *     *     * Milka completed 122 laps before being involved in an accident in the first race of the season at Homestead. Duno, who started the race from the 16th position, drove a flawless first half of the race, climbing as high as 12th position out of the 25-car field. After two pit stops, Duno was comfortably running in 15th before the incident with Perera. She finished 20th of 25 cars. Duno’s next scheduled race is at Kansas Speedway, Sunday, April 27. *     *     * Milka is taking over Sarah Fisher's spot at Dreyer & Reinhold Racing for a part-time effort for the 2008 IRL season. *     *     * Milka won't be at Sonoma for this weekend's race. We haven't heard anything from her camp since August 9th when she headed to Berlin for a week to appear in Speed Racer, a new movie. She ranks 20th of 34 drivers in points for the year with only 6 starts. *     *     * Milka was due to race at Kentucky Speedway but had a chance to appear as Gearbox in a racing movie to be filmed this week and was grateful to her sponsor and to the IndyCar Series for allowing us to withdraw from the Kentucky event at the last minute. She is expected to be back for the next two races - Infineon Raceway and Chicagoland Speedway *     *     * Milka gridded 19th at Michigan International, went out with mechanical problems early and finished in 19th. Standing 19th overall. Her next race will be Kentucky Speedway , then Infineon and Chicago. Milka didn't race this weekend at Mid-Ohio. Her next IRL race will be Michigan, then Kentucky, Infineon and Chicago. *     *     * Milka started 19th at Richmond. She finished 19th and stands 19th in the standings. Duno exited at lap 80 as a result of an injury from a crash the day before during practice. It became clear that her right wrist and elbow were affected and she could not maintain the strength necessary to finish the 250 lap event. *     *     * Milka had sever handling problems at the Iowa Corn Indy 250 and withdrew after 60 laps of the 250 lap race. *     *     * Milka started 19th of 20 and finished 11th at the Texas Motor Speedway. *     *     * Milka's car slid out from under her on the 66th lap knocking her out of the Indy 500. She finished 31st. *     *     * Milka Qualifies for the Indy 500. Milka severely damaged her car in practice for the 2007 running of the Indianapolis 500. The crew got it back together and she qualified 29th in the 33 car field as well as the fastest rookie. This will be the first time in the 500's history that three women will race in the final field. *      *     * Milka announce that she will be competing in 10 IRL races this year including the Indianapolis 500. She also plans to compete at Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Watkins Glen, Nashville, Mid Ohio, Michigan (MIS), Kentucky and Chicago. *     *     * Milka improves from 8th in 2006 to take 2nd over-all with teammate Patrick Carptentier, Darren Manning (and Ryan Dalziel?) in the 24hrs of Daytona. It was the highest finish be a female driver in the event's history, and the highest finish ever by a female in a major race at Daytona International Speedway. She was one of two women in the 70-car race, and finished just 1 minute and 14.749 seconds behind the winner. They lead 74 laps and, at 24 hours and 668 laps, they were the only other car on the lead lap. *     *      * Milka Duno completed a two-day test December 7 at her "hometown track" of Homestead-Miami Speedway with teammate Patrick Carpentier in preparation for the first race of the 2007 Rolex Sports Car Series season - the Rolex 24 At Daytona in late January, 2007. *     *     * Milka Duno started the race in the 14th position and finished 7th out of 27 cars in class in the 2 hour and 45 minute Rolex Series at Laguna Seca on May 7, 2006. The race included 20 GT cars which made for a lot of passing excitement. News - 2014 Milka Duno Accomplishes Goals at Homestead-Miami Speedway November 17, 2014 – Milka Duno headed into the last race of her historic first NASCAR Nationwide Series season at Homestead-Miami Speedway with two goals - to learn and to finish – and that she did. Duno had earned some respectable stats during her time in the ARCA Racing Series in preparation for her entry into NASCAR - but the jump from ARCA to NASCAR is a big and difficult one with a steep learning curve. In her first Nationwide Series race at Kansas Speedway race Milka qualified well and had a very good start but the car went away from her in very early laps and ended her debut prematurely. With two wins at Homestead in the Grand American Rolex Series this would be her first time on the track at Homestead in a stock car – and she had much to learn – and she was doing just that by improving and getting faster in each session. In the qualifying session leading up to the race an underperforming car placed her 39th on the starting grid for what would be an ultra-competitive season finale competition. When the green flag waved on race day Duno started to move and by lap 120 she was in 36th. But Duno was not done yet – and she would advance another two positions to 34th in the last 20 laps of the race – and setting her fastest lap of the race on lap 201 of the extended 206-lap competition. “This was only my second NASCAR Nationwide race” said Duno. “For this race I was trying to be more patient because at Kansas I was feeling that the car was so good I became overconfident and as a result of this it taught me a valuable and important lesson. We came to Homestead with a definite set of goals and we accomplished all of them. At the start of the race the car was not so good, but as the race progressed we were able to make changes to the car during each pit stop. With good communication between us those changes were heading in the right direction so I was able to prove what I’m able to do when the car is performing.” “We came to Homestead with the intent to have Milka complete a Nationwide Series race and provide her an opportunity to get that done, said RAB Racing owner Robby Benton. “She learned a lot in this race and I think she earned some respect as well. She ran a good race with no incidents or issues. Competing at this level at this track is not a small accomplishment and I’m proud that Milka was able to take the checkered flag respectfully.” Duno’s first season in NASCAR saw her achieve three historic Hispanic sports history milestones. When she debuted in her first Nationwide race at Kansas Speedway in October she became the first Hispanic female driver to compete in a NASCAR Nationwide series race in the USA and when she competed in the Camping World Truck Series at Talladega Superspeedway she became the first Hispanic female driver to compete in the USA in that series also. By leading laps at Talladega she also became the first Hispanic female driver to lead laps in a NASCAR national series race in the USA “It has been a great season on many levels,” added Duno. “My sponsors gave me the incredible opportunity to fulfill a big dream of mine – to compete in NASCAR and I am supremely thankful for their support. Along the way we all made some significant Hispanic sports history as well. Many thanks also to the RAB Racing organization for signing me and giving me the chance to make my NASCAR debut with them.” Source: PR Release Milka Duno Makes Historic NASCAR Debut at Kansas Speedway October 6, 2014) – When Milka Duno qualified for and competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Kansas Speedway on Saturday, October 4 she became the first Hispanic female driver in history to compete in a NASCAR national series race in the United States. Unfortunately, she was one of five drivers in the race to spin and hit the wall at Turn 2 – which brought a quick end to her day. The first of the two scheduled practice sessions on Friday was cancelled due to inclement weather, so Duno and her RAB Racing crew had much to accomplish in the afternoon session – and that they did. Completing 54 total laps over multiple runs, Duno and her No.29 Toyota Camry were picking up speed with each run. In the qualifying session leading up to the 200-lap race on Kansas Speedway’s 1.5-mile tri-oval Duno’s best lap of the session came quickly on lap 4 and she qualified 34th. “I was very excited to have qualified for my first NASCAR Nationwide Series race and it warmed my heart to receive so many congratulatory calls and messages - not only from the Latin and Hispanic community – but from friends, fans and supporters all around the world,” said Duno. Starting her first NASCAR race 34th on the grid Duno quickly advanced five positions to 29th on the first lap. But on lap 2 she spun and backed heavily into the wall at Turn 2. It was immediately apparent that the damage would bring her first race to a very early and disappointing end. Duno was not the only driver to spin at Turn 2 - as the race progressed four additional drivers would spin and hit the wall at Turn 2 – which also contributed to the 10 caution periods throughout the race. “The start was really good for us and I started to feel that we were about to have a good race when the car just went away from me and I hit the wall hard,” said Duno. ”It was disappointing certainly to be out of this race early as I have earned a very good record of finishing races in my career and especially in the 2013 ARCA Racing Series season – finishing 19 of the 21 races and ending the season 3rd in most laps completed. As a team we leave Kansas having had a very productive practice session, a successful qualifying effort and a good car for the start of the race. RAB Racing helped me to make it into my first NASCAR race and some important Hispanic sports history as well and I can’t thank them enough for that!” Source: https://mail.aol.com/38771-416/aol-6/en-us/Suite.aspx News - 2013 Duno 29th in ARCA Series Race at Talladega Superspeedway Milka Duno started on the pole in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 at Talladega Superspeedway - but ended her day 29th. With Duno taking the pole at Talladega she became just the fourth woman to earn a pole in ARCA Series history and the second woman to win the pole in ARCA Series competition at Talladega. It has been 25 years since a woman has won an ARCA pole at Talladega – it was in 1988 that Patty Moise won back to back ARCA poles at the superspeedway. Duno led the first 7 laps of the scheduled 94-lap race and then remained solidly in the top-five until, on lap 29, while maneuvering around a lap car, Duno veered up the track. Side-to-side contact was made between Duno and the No.15 of John Wes Townley. It was a great experience for me to start on the pole and I was doing my best to stay in the lead,” said Duno. “I got shuffled back a little bit by bit but was doing my best to stay up in the front. We came up on a lap car and I was trying to clear him when he quickly moved up and I reacted to try and avoid contact. Unfortunately, John Wes Townley and I were very close to each other and there was contact between us. We spoke briefly in the medical center and I asked him if he was ok and he said yes. I had no idea how hard he hit both of the walls until I was able to see some video after the race. It was an unfortunate incident that I'm very sorry about and I'm so happy that he's ok.” Just a few laps later, with Duno in 5th, a car alongside and just ahead came down and made contact with the right front of Duno’s car which almost put her into a spin. Duno maintained control of her car but was then hit from behind which spun her out. “I was running in 5th when the big crash occurred,” added Duno. “A car came down into me and made contact with the right front of my car which caused me to wiggle a bit - but I was able to hang onto it. This is all happening at very high speeds and when my car started to wiggle it also caused it to slow up a bit and then I was hit from behind which sent me spinning - and then there were cars spinning everywhere. It ended my race and the race for many others as well. With the opportunity to start on the pole I was really looking forward to the race and I had hoped we would have a good result - but unfortunately it just didn't work out that way. VMS really brought me a good car and they were so great and supportive - I can’t thank them enough. They are a wonderful organization to compete with.” The scheduled 94 laps / 250 miles race on the famed 2.66-mile tri-oval was red flagged due to rain on lap 73. As of the race just completed at Talladega Duno stands ninth in the ARCA Series Driver Point Standings with 525 points. Duno’s next ARCA Series race will be on Sunday, May 19 at Toledo Speedway. Source: Press release Duno Finishes 14th in ARCA Series Race at Mobile International Speedway In her second race with Venturini Motorsports Milka Duno finished 14th in Saturday’s ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards ARCA Mobile 200 at Mobile International Speedway. Duno started the 200 lap/100 mile race 16th on the grid in the No. 35 Cantv/Milka Way Chevrolet. The race on Mobile’s 0.5-mile oval generated eleven cautions and Duno advanced as high as 12th before taking the checkered flag in 14th. “Short track racing is very intense and a specific type of challenge,” said Duno. “We all worked very hard for this race and we worked well together. We were able to make a few adjustments to the car during the race and it helped us a bit. My thanks to the Venturini crew.” "Milka made great strides throughout the weekend in improving and adjusting to our program,” said Billy Venturini, Director of Competition for Venturini Motorsports. “I really think we will see her competing at a very high level as the season continues. I feel like her willingness to learn and our ability to teach will take her to the level she's been looking to achieve since she started stock car racing." Source: Press release Duno Shines, Leads Laps in ARCA Series Season Opener at Daytona Milka Duno was second quickest in practice, qualified second and took the lead on lap 1 in Friday night’s 2013 season-opening of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona Presented by MAVTV American Real at Daytona International Speedway. This was Duno’s first start with Venturini Motorsports in the team’s No. 35 CanTV/Milka Way Toyota and with stellar results in the practice and qualifying sessions leading up to the 80 lap/200 mile race Duno and her crew were looking forward to their start in the front row. Duno jumped into the lead before the first lap had been completed and went on to lead the first 11 laps of the 80 lap race on the famous 2.5 mile tri oval. A caution on lap 11 brought Duno and others in the lead pack into the pits but traffic issues leaving the pits lost Duno her lead. On the restart after the second caution a transmission issue brought her back into the pits and ultimately behind the wall for very quick repairs by the talented Venturini Motorsports crew. By the time that she got back on the track the No. 35 had fallen back to 30th but she was able to pick up another two positions and ultimately finished the race in 28th. “Venturini brought me a car that was quick the very first minute we hit the track,” said Duno. “It was fantastic to generate the times we did in practice and qualifying and I was very excited to start the race in the front row. As soon as that green flag dropped I was ready to go and it was a great feeling to be leading the race at Daytona. The transmission issue was unfortunate but we went back out and fought on. Big thanks to my new team and crew – they did an awesome job!” "Milka did a fantastic job qualifying up front," said Billy Venturini, Director of Competition for Venturini Motorsports. “She did a flawless job at the start of the race. Unfortunately, we experienced a little transmission problem. But I believe we have immediately showcased Milka's talent and the strength of the Venturini Motorsports program." About Milka Duno Duno has eight major race wins in the highest classes (Prototype) in the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Series and the highest finish ever by a female driver (2nd Place) in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the 48-year history of the race. Off the track, Duno is a certified Naval Engineer who holds four master’s degrees, earning the last three simultaneously. Duno is also working through her “Milka Way” program to inspire youth to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. For more information on Milka Way, visit www.milkaway.com. Source: www.arcanation.com/articles/2013-duno-shines-leads-laps-in-arca-series-season-opener-at-daytona News - 2012 Duno Delivers Top-Ten Finish at New Jersey Motorsports Park Milka Duno delivered an exciting 10th place finish in today’s ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards All-American Race Weekend presented by Global Barter Corporation at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey. With a new team, David Leiner Racing, and running with Toyota power, Duno took her No. 94 Milka Way Toyota Camry from 21st on the starting grid to a 10th place finish on the 2.25-mile, 14-turn Thunderbolt road course at NJMP. The ARCA Series has confirmed that Duno’s top-ten finish is the highest finish ever by a Venezuelan driver in the 60-year history of the series. Duno started 21st and improved 11 positions to her final finishing spot, more than any other driver in the field. For that improvement, Duno won the CGS Imaging Hard Charger of the Race Award. The weather during the 2-hour race generated track temperatures above 100 degrees and the temperature inside the race car during the race was estimated to be over 140 degrees. “We definitely arrived here recharged and reinvigorated with a new team that’s running exclusively with Toyota power, said Duno. “David Leiner has been my crew chief since mid-season last year and it’s so great to be running with him and his crew with his new team. The effort of the crew today was awesome! What we demonstrated with this result is that we are a team and an organization that simply will never give up. We earned this finish today and I’m really very happy and proud for all of us that we accomplished this.” “The amount of work and effort it took to put this all in place and perform as well as we did today was staggering,” said team owner and crew chief David Leiner. “Everyone associated with this effort gave nothing less than 150%. Our crew worked so hard for this that I can’t possibly thank them enough. Milka started the race 21st and brought it home in 10th – what a fantastic job! Our first race with this new effort and we score our first top-ten at the same time!” Source: Press release Milka Duno Profiled on CNN International Beginning June 12 Professional race car driver Milka Duno will be profiled during the month of June on CNN International’s Leading Women series. Leading Women connects CNN International’s viewers with extraordinary women at the top of their chosen field. The series will focus on influential women across all areas of business, the arts, sport, culture and more. During each month of 2012 CNN International viewers will have the chance to meet some of the most influential women of our time in this new series that will highlight their careers, lives and ideas. Two remarkable women will be profiled each month. Leading Women will focus on Duno’s racing career and will touch on her being a female driver in a traditionally male-dominated sport, her family, heritage and future plans. Duno has eight major race wins in the highest classes (Prototype) in the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Series and the highest finish ever by a female driver (2nd Place) in the 24 Hours at Daytona in the now 50-year history of the race. She is also the first Latina to qualify for and compete in the Indianapolis 500 in the now 101-year history of the legendary event. Off the track, Duno is a certified Naval Engineer who holds four master’s degrees, earning the last three simultaneously. Duno is also working through her “Milka Way” program to inspire youth to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. Duno joins a list of women already profiled that includes notables such as fashion designer Carolina Herrera, Google VP Marissa Mayer, Telenor EVP and president of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise Kristin Skogen Lund, Marvell Technology Group co-founder Weili Dai and 2011’s “World’s Best Female Chef” Anne-Sophie Pic. On Tuesday, June 12, the first segment of Duno’s profile on Leading Women will appear across CNN International and also online at edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/leading-women/index.html Leading Women airs as five-minute weekly segments on the first four Tuesdays of each month on CNN International’s Connect the World and News Stream. A wrap up of the June segments will be featured in a 15-minute program near the end of each month. The segments and additional information will also be posted to the website above. Tuesday June 12: Milka Duno on News Stream at 1200GMT and on Connect the World at 2000GMT Tuesday June 19: Both Duno and Li on News Stream at 1200GMT and on Connect the World at 2000GMT Tuesday June 26: Both Duno and Li on News Stream at 1200GMT and on Connect the World at 2000GMT The air times above are listed in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). To convert GMT to the time in your country or region please visit www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc CNN International can be seen in more than 265 million households, hotel rooms and specialized outlets in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. CNN International is also distributed via CNN Mobile. Currently more than 7.1 million mobile users are receiving CNN International in Europe and the Middle East. Source: Press release Milka Is Looking for Outstanding Students to Honor! (Short- cut:  http://bit.ly/JKilG1 ) Milka, through her popular educational outreach Milka Way, works very hard to motivate and inspire children and students to achieve academic excellence and aim for the stars! Milka loves to honor children and students that have received awards and recognition. If you visit the “Academic Excellence” section on the Milka Way website at http://www.milkaway.com you will see previous honorees Ana, Blake and Julio – and our most recent honoree Megan. Milka first met Megan Chmeil when she did a "Milka Way" visit with the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards at Megan’s school - Temperance Road Elementary School - when she raced at Toledo Speedway last year. Megan had the honor of singing the anthem at Milka’s race this year at Toledo Speedway. With the school year coming to a close Milka would like to take this opportunity to honor those that have achieved this year! If you would like to nominate someone to be honored on http://www.milkaway.com please send the information below to hcapehart@hotmail.com: 1. Send image(s) of the child/student that might also display their award or achievement. 2. Provide the full name of the child/student. 3. Describe the particular award/achievement and any and all pertinent details. 4. Include a contact name, phone number and/or email address so that we may contact you. We look forward to hearing from you! Team Milka Duno Source: E-Mail Milka busca honrar estudiantes sobresalientes! En Espanoial (http://bit.ly/Lk7QOc) Milka, a través de la popularidad de su Programa Educativo Milka Way, el cual sirve para motivar e inspirar a los niños y estudiantes a lograr la excelencia académica y a alcanzar las estrellas! A Milka le encanta honrar a los niños y estudiantes que han recibido premios y reconocimientos. Si visitas la sección“Academic Excellence/Excelencia Académica”en la Página Oficial del Milka Way http://www.milkaway.com verás los galardonados Ana, Blake y Julio – y más recientemente Megan. Conocí a Megan Chmeil cuando visité el Temperance Road Elementary School con mi Programa "Milka Way", cuando corrí en el Toledo Speedway el año pasado. Imaginen mi sorpresa cuando Megan tuvo el honor de cantar el himno nacional en la carrera que realicé este año en el Toledo Speedway! Con el año escolar a poco tiempo de culminar, a Milka le encantaría esta oportunidad para honrar a aquellos que obtuvieron reconocimientos este año! Si quieres nominar a alguien que ha sido galardonado puedes hacerlo en http://www.milkaway.com, por favor envía la información requerida a hcapehart@hotmail.com: 1. Envía foto(s) del niño(a)/estudiante con su premio o reconocimiento. 2. Provee el nombre completo del niño(a)/estudiante. 3. Describe el premio/reconocimiento y cada uno de los detalles pertinentes. 4. Incluye un nombre de contacto, número telefónico y/o correo electrónico en el que podamos contactarte. Nos encantaría saber de ustedes! Equipo Milka Duno Source: E-Mail Milka Way is Duno’s Successful Educational Outreach Program Race car driver Milka Duno has launched a new website designed to showcase her Milka Way program, whose mission it is to inspire children and young students to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. The new site, at www.milkaway.com , discusses the educational outreach program and shows many images of Milka Way visits with children and young students around the world. Started in 2004, the primary objective of the Milka Way program is to inspire and motivate children and young students to study hard in school, pursue every educational opportunity available to them and strive for academic excellence. In speaking to children and young students directly via the Milka Way visits, and through her book “Go, Milka, Go!” Duno gives insights and tells stories about her own life and her academic and professional goals and accomplishments as an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. This personal interaction with children and young students has shown to be wonderfully effective and both inspires and motivates them in a direct and impactful way. The “Testimonials” section of the website displays letters from children and young students and statements from educators that reflect the effectiveness and success of the concept and the program. Milka Way visits have occurred at elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities. Each Milka Way visit is customized to the size and age level of the audience. Milka Way visits are also customized in conjunction with school officials’ requests for specialized emphasis. They can also be customized for student specialties/groups – such as in the areas of science, math, engineering and technology. As a qualified Naval Engineer with four master's degrees - in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Aquaculture and Maritime Business – earning the last three degrees simultaneously – Duno is a big believer in the value of education. “I am very passionate about education and I want to do everything that I can to inspire children and young students to study hard and aim for the stars!” says Duno. “Milka Way gives me an opportunity to try and inspire and motivate them to focus on their education by helping them understand that a strong academic background will benefit them for their entire life – in all aspects of their life – and in any career they choose.” Duno has taken this message to children, young students, parents and teachers at all school levels around the world – including her home country of Venezuela, Malaysia, Canada, Japan, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and all across the United States. The new website, in its “Academic Excellence” section, gives Duno a wonderful opportunity to highlight and celebrate the successes of some of her Milka Way fans – and she invites parents and teachers to send in images of their children and young students that are achieving! The site’s extensive gallery offers visitors many images to view as well as several videos on and about Milka Way visits. MilkaWay.com also offers a simple way for those that are interested to order Duno’s award-winning children’s book “Go, Milka, Go,” a way to inquire about hosting a Milka Way visit or corporate speaking engagement and an invitation to become a promotional partner, sponsor or supporter of the Milka Way effort. In the coming weeks the Spanish version of the new MilkaWay.com website will debut. News - 2011 Milka Duno Impressive in ARCA Racing Series Testing at Daytona International Speedway Milka Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team left a solid impression after three days of ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards testing at Daytona International Speedway last weekend. Setting fast time in two separate sessions, Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team often found themselves atop the speed charts at the famed 2.5-mile oval, proving they will be a team to watch when the ARCA Racing Series makes their return to Daytona in February for the season opening event. “The team gave me a good car to drive and together we were able to get around the track pretty good,” said Duno. “We needed Friday to sort some things out and when we hit the track on Saturday our results in the morning session put us on top and it showed that we were definitely heading in the right direction. Sunday was yet another good day for us as we very nearly topped the charts in the morning session and did top the charts in the second and last session. We did what we expected to do; what we are capable of doing. It was a good test.” Duno and her No. 63 team rolled into Daytona early Friday morning to begin the first day of testing and were eager to get started as they would, for the first time in their history, be racing with a Ford Fusion. This proved to be a challenge at first for Duno and team as they ended Friday with a fast time of 49.787 seconds (180.770 mph), 20th among the 53 drivers to make laps around Daytona’s famed high-banks, but there would be no harder working team and that paid off as they continued to find speed with every change made throughout the weekend. During Saturday morning’s session, the third of six scheduled sessions, Duno and her Dave Leiner Jr.-led team saw all that hard work pay off as she set the fastest time of all three sessions, circling the 2.5-mile track in 48.383 seconds (186.016 mph). This would be the quickest of the weekend’s single car run testing sessions. Duno topped more than 50 different drivers who made laps throughout the session. ARCA Racing Series officials opened up the Saturday afternoon session up for drafting and Duno proved her quick time was no fluke, as she backed up her morning run with a time of 48.166 seconds (186.854) for what would be her fastest lap time of Daytona testing. Sunday morning would be another busy day for the Sheltra Motorsports team, but again they proved what a fast Ford Fusion they had at “The World Center of Racing.” Holding the top time for much of the morning session, Duno actually helped Buster Graham’s No. 88 get the top speed as she pushed him to the fastest time of the day while working together in the draft. Duno ended the session second on the charts, only six thousands of a second behind Graham. In the sixth and final session on Sunday afternoon, after 21 hours of on-track action, Duno again put her No. 63 Ford atop the speed charts, pacing the superspeedway in a time of 48.340 seconds (186.181 mph). By taking the top time in Sunday’s final practice session, Duno became the only driver, among more than 50, to lead two of the six test sessions at Daytona International Speedway. “We really got a lot accomplished this weekend,” said Crew Chief Dave Leiner Jr. “We didn’t know exactly what we had when we first pulled into Daytona Friday morning, but the guys on the team did a great job and really got our Ford Fusion to where it needed to be. We have great Roush/Yates horsepower under the hood as well. Milka did a great job giving me feedback all weekend, and we really got the car dialed in. I am looking forward to returning here for the race in February. I believe that Milka and the entire Sheltra Motorsports team will be very competitive and put on a good show.” Source: Press Release The Women Take the Lead Since 1911 when the first race was held, the Indianapolis 500 has been an event dominated by men. For the first few decades this was a given, considering women were not allowed to participate. It wasn’t until 1971 that a female reporter was even allowed in the pit crew and a female racer was unheard of until 1977 when Janet Guthrie qualified for the event. Female participation has come a little ways since then with eight women successfully qualifying and as it turns out, the most popular Indy 500 drivers as ranked by Google are actually women. Brazilian racing driver, Ana Beatriz, comes in ranked at number four with 110,000 hits in one month, followed by Swiss race car driver, Simona de Silvestro with 165,000 hits. American auto racing driver, Danica Patrick, surprisingly falls in second place with 246,000, while Venezuelan race car driver, Milka Duno heads the pack by a long shot of 550,000 hits per month. (Editor's note: Pippa Mann finished 20th in this year's Indy 500.) So even though the record for most victories is still tied up by three men (A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears have each won four), women are joining in on the fun. Once they catch up with the 66 year head start given to the men, maybe they’ll earn a few records of their own. They are definitely on their way. Until then, Drivers, Start Your Engines! Source: www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/car-infographics-women-running-the-indy500-ar114624.ht Milka Duno and Sheltra Motorsports Team Geared Up For Iowa Speedway Milka Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team are set to spring back into ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards action at Iowa Speedway for the Prairie Meadows 200 on Saturday, July 16. Duno will be making her first start behind the wheel of a stock car on the 7/8 mile oval. “I’m looking forward to hitting the track at Iowa Speedway in a stock car,” said Duno. “I like the track very much and the fans in Iowa have always been good to me – so I look forward to seeing many of them again. I welcome David Leiner Jr. to the effort and I’m anxious to work together with him and the crew for a good result.” While the stock car rookie, Duno, will be learning to wheel her No. 63 CITGO SUPERGARD Toyota around Iowa’s 0.875-mile track, she will have the experience of her 2010 championship winning Sheltra Motorsports team’s four previous starts at Iowa Speedway to guide her. The team will have a slightly different look this weekend at Iowa Speedway as David Leiner Jr. will be taking over command as crew chief. “I am really excited to be joining the Sheltra Motorsports team and to have the opportunity to work with Milka Duno,” said Leiner. “We are looking forward to kick starting our relationship with a strong finish at Iowa Speedway. Milka has done a tremendous job and has had some strong runs so far this year, and I can’t wait to build upon that success in the second half of the ARCA Racing Series Season. While it will be Leiner’s first start with Duno and Sheltra Motorsports, he is certainly no stranger to success in the ARCA Racing Series. Sporting 51-career wins and three championships (Tim Steele-1993, 1996, 1997), Leiner has over 16 years of experience as an ARCA Racing Series crew chief. The veteran crew chief led drivers such as Blaise Alexander, Blake Feese, Kyle Krisiloff, Boston Reid and most recently Rob Brent (Pocono, 2010) to their first-career ARCA victories and looks to continue that success with Milka Duno beginning in Saturday’s Prairie Meadows 200 at Iowa Speedway. Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team will take to Iowa Speedway’s 7/8-mile oval on Friday, July 15 for two afternoon practice sessions. ARCA Racing Series action will begin on Saturday, July 16 when the green flag drops for 200 laps of stock car racing action at 4:15 p.m. CDT. SPEED will have live television coverage of the Prairie Meadows 200 with live timing and scoring on ARCARacing.com. Strong Top-Five Run Cut Short for Milka Duno at Salem Speedway Duno finishes 17th in short track racing debut. If it weren't for bad luck it seems like Milka Duno would have no luck at all so far in the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season. Driving her way into the top-five over halfway into the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at Salem Speedway, it looked as if Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team were well on their way to a top-five finish when bad luck struck as unavoidable contact caused severe damage to the nose of Duno's CITGO SUPERGARD Dodge, putting a hole in the radiator and bringing her day to an early end. "You have to drive hard to be able to win a race, especially at a place like this," said Duno. "But at the same time you take calculated risks. Sometimes when you take those risks something will happen because you are driving hard and fighting for position. We were running fifth and had a very aggressive, very good race going but the two cars in front- one got real loose, the other slowed down too much and I had nowhere to go and hit him. I was still able to keep going and fight for more positions even with that much nose damage to the car. Unfortunately we started to lose power because we damaged the radiator. It was very disappointing, but at the same time I am very happy with our performance and the way the car ran. It gives us a lot of confidence going forward." The weekend began under sunny skies as the stars of the ARCA Racing Series rolled into Salem Speedway's half-mile oval Saturday afternoon for practice and qualifying. Making her first-career short track start, Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team spent a majority of the practice session learning to negotiate Salem's high-banks. She was able to do so with great success, posting the 17th-fastest time of the session, 18.448 seconds (108.304 mph). As the fifth car to take to the half-mile track for qualifying, Duno improved on her practice time posting a lap of 18.256 seconds (109.443 mph), the 17th-fastest time of the day. Under hazy skies and on a damp track, the ARCA Racing series went to racing for 200-laps of action on Sunday afternoon. Looking to fight the rain, the green and yellow flag flew simultaneously to start the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200. The drivers maintained their positions for the first 19 laps under the yellow flag condition until the track was dry enough to go racing. The green flag flew to get the racing action started on lap 20 and Duno, a little cautious in her first laps of green-flag short track racing, maintained the 16th position. On lap 37 she fell one lap down to the leaders but her lap times were continuously getting faster as she began to catch back up to the lead pack. On lap 52 the caution came out for a wreck in turn three and Crew Chief Jon Wolfe called his driver down pit road for two tires on lap 55 under the yellow. Making her first short track pit stop, Duno was called for a speeding penalty forcing her to restart the race from the back of the longest line. The penalty lit a fire under Duno as the green flag came back out on lap 59. Duno began to climb through the field, still marred in 16th one lap down to the leaders, but a quick caution on lap 69 gave the CITGO SUPERGARD the "lucky dog" award, allowing Duno to get back on the lead lap. From there she never looked back. With all the teams on different pit strategy, Duno took the restart in the eighth position on lap 72. Fighting to make her way through lapped traffic she fell to 11th on lap 79 but as the laps clicked off, Duno began meticulously climbing back through the field. By lap 106 she moved past the No. 41 of Ty Dillon, putting her into the sixth position. The caution came back out on lap 108 and Wolfe again took the opportunity to bring Duno to the attention of her Sheltra Motorsports team. With a lightning-fast pit stop, the team changed four tires and sent Duno back on the track in the fifth position for the lap 115 restart. With the field tightened up and aggressive short track racing, Duno was in a tight battle with the No. 31 and the lapped No. 11 car of Bryan Silas when on lap 121 Tim George Jr's No. 31 got extremely loose coming off turn 4. The No. 11 checked up trying to avoid George leaving Duno nowhere to go as she got in the back of Silas. The contact caused severe damage to the hood of the CITGO SUPERGARD Dodge, but Duno continued on only losing one position. Duno continued fighting to get back in the top five with her severely damaged Dodge for the next 11 laps, when smoke started to come out of the tailpipes. Two laps later, she reported that she was losing power and was forced to bring her car down pit road. The contact had damaged the radiator ending the day for Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team only 66 laps shy of the finish. After a promising day, Duno would end the day where she started, in the 17th position. "Milka exceeded all of our expectations," said Wolfe. "Today proved that she can race with all of the competitors in the ARCA Series and be successful. ARCA short track racing is very aggressive and has a lot of beating and banging. Unfortunately we fell victim to that and knocked a hole in the radiator. That ended our day and a great run by Milka and the Sheltra Motorsports team." The ARCA Racing Series will take a weekend off before heading to the second short track on her schedule at Toledo Speedway for the Menards 200. The green flag will drop for 200 laps of short track racing action on Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Milka Duno Qualifies Eighth at Talladega Superspeedway Duno to lineup outside row four in 3 Amigos 250 Milka Duno made an impressive debut at Talladega Superspeedway Thursday afternoon with a solid eighth-place qualifying effort for Friday’s 3 Amigos 250. Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team started the day off strong with a three-hour practice session. The Venezuelan-native completed 37 laps, making only single-car runs. Duno lapped the 2.66-mile track with a best time of 52.165 seconds (183.571 mph), fifth-fastest among the 39-car field. Looking to back up her practice run, Duno took to Talladega’s high-banks with a lot of confidence during qualifying. As the last car to qualify, Duno knew exactly what she needed to do. Rounding the track in a time of 52.644 seconds (181.901 mph), she put the No. 63 CITGO SUPERGARD Toyota eighth on the leaderboard for the start of Friday afternoon’s 3 Amigos 250. While the eighth-place start is a career-best for Duno in what will be only her third ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards start, Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team were slightly disappointed with the run. “When you slow up in qualifying and don’t know why it is frustrating,” said Crew Chief Jon Wolfe. “But we discovered that the right front tire was going flat which changes the way that the car drives and the attitude of the racecar. Obviously that is very important on the superspeedways. Milka did a great job and I am excited for the race tomorrow. We have a good car.” Duno and team look to take the checkered flag in Friday’s 3 Amigos 250. The green-flag will drop on the 94-lap event at 4:00 CDT with live television coverage on SPEED. Milka Duno selected as an ambassador for Univision's Es El Momento education initiative Public Service Announcements Featuring Duno Airing Now on Univision Es El Momento Special to Air Saturday, March 5 at 5pmEST/4pmC Race car driver Milka Duno has been selected as an Es El Momento Ambassador for the second phase of Univision’s highly successful, multi-platform education initiative, Es El Momento (The Moment is Now). The initiative's second phase highlights the importance of children having role models in their lives, encouraging parents to teach by example and instill in their children the importance of education, as the key to their success. The Es El Momento ambassadors were selected based on their outstanding achievements and inspirational stories of success that were positively impacted by the presence of their parents and role models. Es El Momento’s second phase illustrates the inspirational journey of Hispanic individuals who were given the support and motivation needed to follow their dreams and aspirations. The campaign further underscores the importance of engagement and parents’ and role models’ presence in their children’s lives to ensure academic achievement. The 2010 Census is expected to show there are more than 50 million Hispanics in the U.S., and that overall, the population growth in the United States is being driven by the Hispanic community. Yet according to some of the latest research, Hispanic students across the country continue to lag behind in graduation rates compared to their non-Hispanic peers. “I’m very honored to have been selected as an ambassador for Es El Momento,” said Duno. “I am very passionate about education and I want to do everything that I can to inspire young children and students to study hard and aim for the stars! My passion about this very worthwhile effort and my outreach via my Milka Way program are in wonderful harmony with the goals set forth in the Es El Momento initiative and I am very proud to be involved.” The second phase of Es El Momento presents a series of motivational Public Service Announcements (PSAs) featuring leading Hispanics, including race car driver and engineer, Milka Duno; composer, lyricist and Tony Award-winner, Lin-Manuel Miranda; NASA astronaut and engineer, José Hernández; and award-winning novelist, Sandra Cisneros. Duno’s parents were an incredible source of inspiration for her and through their own example of hard work and perseverance going to school while also raising Milka and her brothers in Venezuela. In Duno’s Es El Momento PSA, airing now on Univision, Duno is featured along with her mother – also named Milka. To view the PSA featuring Milka and her mother. An Es El Momento Special, titled Tu Ejemplo. Mi Inspiracion.(Your Example. My Inspiration), also featuring Milka and her mother, will air on Univision this Saturday, March 5 at 5pmEST/4pmC. Duno has eight major career race wins to her credit – and her passion and determination to succeed on the track is equaled by her passion and desire to “give back” off the track. Duno is also a qualified Naval Engineer with four master's degrees - in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Aquaculture and Maritime Business – earning the last three degrees simultaneously. Seven years ago Duno launched her “Milka Way”program - whose mission it is to inspire children and students to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. Duno has taken this message to children, students, parents and teachers at all school levels around the world – including her home country of Venezuela, Malaysia, Canada, all across the USA and in Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Through these Milka Way appearances Duno strives to help inspire and motivate children, students and their parents and help them understand the importance of education – and how a strong academic background will benefit them their entire life – in all aspects of their life – and in any career they choose. “I’ve been given many wonderful opportunities and I feel that it is a responsibility to make the most out of each and every one of them,” added Duno. “My parents worked very hard to provide me with many educational opportunities and they were a tremendous source of inspiration for me. I have a strong desire to give back – to let others know that they too can achieve all of their dreams and to help in any way I can to motivate and inspire them – to take advantage of every opportunity and to make their dreams come true!” Milka Duno Gearing Up for Successful Debut at Talladega After a two-month break from ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards racing action, there isn’t another driver as ready to return to the racetrack as Milka Duno. Duno made her ARCA Racing Series debut with Sheltra Motorsports in the series-opening event at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) and looks to carry that momentum into a top finish in the 3 Amigos 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on Friday, April 15. Although Duno will be making her first start at Talladega, the stockcar rookie proved to be a fast learner in the season-opening event at DIS, where she ran in the top-10 for much of the afternoon. Although her promising run was cut short after being collected in a multi-car wreck, Duno proved she and her Sheltra Motorsports team have what it takes to finish up front. “After running so strong at Daytona I have big expectations for Talladega,” said Duno. “We want to have that because we are competing to win. I am looking forward to getting back in the car and having a good race weekend. It is important to continue the learning process with both the team and the car.” For the Sheltra Motorsports team, Talladega will be the start of a new era as they will debut their Toyota Speedway program after making the switch from Dodge after Daytona. The Jon Wolfe-led team proved their new speedway car will be strong after setting fast time during the official ARCA Racing Series test session at the 2.66-mile track in late March. "I am excited to get back racing because we have been stranded in the shop for two months,” said Wolfe. “We are really excited to debut our Toyota Speedway program at Talladega. We were pretty happy with how the Toyota ran at the test and have come back to the shop and been thrashing hard since then to make our car a little bit better. I feel like we have made some big gains. We just want to continue our goal, like we had at Daytona, to come out with a top-10 finish." Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team are set to return to racing action for race No. 2 on the ARCA Racing Series schedule on Friday, April 15 for the 3 Amigos 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. The green flag will drop at 4:00 p.m. CDT with live television coverage on SPEED. Milka Duno Teams With Sheltra Motorsports for 2011 Season Duno to be first Latina to compete in national stockcar racing Sheltra Motorsports has signed Milka Duno to run the full 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season. The 2010 championship winning team will aim to defend their title in 2011 while making history with the first female driver to win a major motorsports championship. The Venezuelan-native, Duno, will also look to pilot her orange and blue No. 63 CITGO SUPERGARD car to ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2011. Duno will be the first Latina in the history of the sport to compete in national stock car racing. Duno recently completed her fourth season in the IndyCar Series and is ready to make the transition from open wheels to stockcars. Championship crew chief and team manager Jon Wolfe returns to the reins of his Sheltra Motorsports team to help guide Duno in her debut season in the ARCA Racing Series. “We are really excited to welcome Milka to our team for the 2011 ARCA season,” said Wolfe. “Aside from welcoming Milka, the biggest excitement is that we were able to keep our championship-winning team together from last year. I am looking forward to taking a newcomer to the ARCA Racing Series and helping to groom her into a contender this season.” The Sheltra Motorsports team, owned by 2010 champion Patrick Sheltra, and Duno made their debut together February in the ARCA Racing Series season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway where a promising top-10 came to an end just 16 laps shy of the checkered flag after being collected in a multi-car wreck. After such a strong run at Daytona, Duno and team are looking forward to a successful season in the ARCA Racing Series. “I’m really very happy that this all came together and I look forward to competing with Sheltra Motorsports for the full 2011 ARCA Racing Series season,” said Duno. “I’ve got a great team to compete with and we’ll be working very hard throughout the season to generate good results. The people involved in the series have been very supportive and I have already experienced some of the tremendous welcoming spirit of the stockcar fans and for that I am truly grateful. I look forward to meeting as many of them as possible during the season!” Milka and her Sheltra Motorsports team make their return to racing action this Friday, April 15 at Talladega Superspeedway in the second of 19 ARCA Racing Series events. The green flag is set to drop on the 3 Amigos 250 at 4:00 p.m. CDT with live race broadcast on SPEED. Milka Duno’s Strong Run Ends Early at Daytona Milka Duno had her sights set on a top-ten finish in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway when, with only 16 laps remaining, a nine-car accident brought her night to an early end. “Milka ran a great race today,” said Crew Chief Jon Wolfe. “She did exactly what we asked her to do. We were close to our goal of a top-10 finish, we just got taken out.” Duno took the green flag from the 23rd position and wasted no time moving forward. By lap two she had already moved her No. 63 machine up to the 16th position, but it didn’t take long for things to get interesting for Duno. On lap four the first caution of the night came out when No. 94 of Brett Hudson lost a tire right in front of Duno. With some great driving, the Venezuelan-native was able to avoid Hudson’s spinning car. The field went back to green on lap seven, and Duno continued her climb to the front of the field, moving to the 14th position by lap 18, when the second caution of the night again slowed the 43-car field. A multi-car accident occurred right in front of Duno’s No. 63 Dodge. For the second time of the race, with head’s-up driving and quick reflexes, Duno was able to avoid the wreck. Crew Chief Jon Wolfe used the caution as an opportunity to bring his driver down pit road for her first and only time of the night. The Sheltra Motorsports team serviced their No. 63 Dodge with a lightning-quick fuel only stop and sent Duno on the way. As she went to pull out of her pit box, Duno got blocked in by another car and was forced to backup before she could make her exit, relegating her to the 25th position for the restart. The green flag waved again on lap 20 for a long green-flag run. During the run Duno clicked off some of the fastest lap times of the race. On lap 23 Duno circled the 2.5-mile track at a speed of 190.998 mph, 9.561 mph faster than her qualifying speed, setting the fastest lap run during the first half of the race. By the halfway point, on lap 40, Duno had climbed her way back to 16th and was biding her time for a strong finish when the action picked up again. On lap 46, a multi-car wreck brought out the red flag, allowing Duno and Wolfe set their strategy for the remainder of the event. The field went back underway on lap 51 and Duno wasted no time moving her No. 63 Dodge into the 12th position. Duno held her position for the next 13 laps setting her strategy for the shoot-out to the checkered flag. Unfotunately for Duno, the chance for a race to the finish would not be possible. Hal Martin, in the No. 55, suffered a blown tire. As the tire blew, Steve Arpin’s No. 25 moved to the inside to avoid Martin, but instead caught Duno in the right front, leaving her nowhere to go. The collision ultimately collected nine cars, and brought Duno’s night to an early end. Duno went on to finish 31st, 16 laps shy of the finish. “We had a really good race going,” said Duno. “I really appreciate the car that the team gave me. It was a really good car. It was a great team effort. We ran close to the top-10 for much of the night. We were running some of the fastest laps of the race. I am just really sorry for what happened and very disappointed for my guys. They gave me such a great car and Jon (Wolfe) had a great strategy. The No. 25 just made a bad move, and we got caught in a wreck.” Following the finish of the race, Duno’s team owner Patrick Sheltra had nothing but positive remarks for how his rookie driver ran the race. “Milka did a real good job,” said team owner and 2010 ARCA Champion Sheltra. “She stayed out of trouble and drove a clean race. It’s unfortunate that (Steve) Arpin got in to her. I was very impressed with her. She learned a lot during the race and showed a lot of potential for the future.” Milka Duno Aiming for Strong Finish at Daytona International Speedway Milka Duno may be an ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards rookie, but she is certainly no ordinary rookie driver. As a record-setting, winning driver in the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Sports Car Series, as well as an IndyCar Series competitor, the Venezuelan-native has proven she has what it takes to get to the front of the field. Duno comes to Daytona with a championship team, championship crew chief and the 2010 ARCA Racing Series champion, Patrick Sheltra, as team owner. Combined, Duno and the Sheltra Motorsports team will be ones to watch when the green flag drops on the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 Saturday, February 12th at Daytona International Speedway. In 2007, with a 2nd place overall result, Duno earned the highest finish ever by a female driver in the history of the legendary 24 Hours of Daytona. Duno took to Daytona International Speedway’s high-banks during the ARCA Racing Series test in January making a strong showing with the Sheltra Motorsports team. While much of the three-day test session was devoted to single car runs and getting Duno reacquainted to a stockcar, she ended the test session 13th on the speed charts in a field of 58 drivers. "I'm very excited to get to Daytona,” said Duno. “The team has worked very hard since the test in preparation for the race. We are looking forward to a good result this weekend at the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200." With only one previous start in the ARCA Racing Series (Daytona, 2010), Duno will be sure to rely on advice from team owner, 2010 champion Patrick Sheltra, to help get her No. 63 Dodge to the front of the pack. "Daytona is tricky," said the current champion, Sheltra. "I enjoy the superspeedways and will be there to give Milka all the help I can give to get her to the finish line first. Jon Wolfe (crew chief) is one of the best at what he does, and we have the same crew we won the championship with last year. Milka will have a great opportunity to bring home a good finish." Milka Duno and the No. 63 Dodge Fast Facts: Duno at Daytona: Duno made her ARCA Racing Series debut at Daytona’s 2.5-mile Superspeedway in 2010. Luck was not on Duno’s side as she was one of many victims of a lap six wreck that relegated her to a 43rd-place finish. This Week’s Dodge: Milka Duno will be piloting chassis No. SM. 001 at Daytona International Speedway. This chassis came from Richard Childress Racing and was converted to a Dodge. Patrick Sheltra last used this car to score a fifth-place finish at Daytona and a second-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway in 2010. Autographs: Fans will have the chance to meet Milka Duno and all of their favorite ARCA Racing Series drivers on Saturday, February 12 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. EST during an all-access open garage. Keep Up With Milka: Want to learn more about Milka Duno? Logon to her official website at www.milkaduno.com. Tune In: The green flag will drop for the start of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at 4:30 p.m. EST. ARCARacing.com will have live audio and timing and scoring coverage with SPEED carrying the live race broadcast beginning at 4:30 p.m. EST. Crew Chief Jon Wolfe on Daytona Expectations: “I am looking forward to helping Milka gain valuable rookie experience in the ARCA season opener at Daytona . A top-10 finish would be a really good, realistic goal for us. With the new track surface and the different strategies that will play out now, really anything is possible. I was encouraged with Milka’s progress during the test, and I’m looking forward to a great weekend.” Milka Duno Excels in Test at Newly-Paved Daytona International Speedway Milka Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team created a big splash during the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) this week. The 2010 championship-winning team returned to the track looking to get ARCA Racing Series rookie Milka Duno ready for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 on February 12th and delivered the same top results they grew accustomed to last season. Duno hit the newly-paved Daytona International Speedway for the first of three days of testing on Tuesday. Making her return to a stock car for the first time since last year’s ARCA season opener, Duno turned in a fast time of 49.37 seconds (182.293 mph). The time put her No. 63 Dodge Charger fifth on the speed charts. The Jon Wolfe led team returned for round two of testing Wednesday morning looking to try a few different setups in the morning session. Running 26 laps in the three-hour session, Duno posted a best time of 49.70 seconds (181.057 mph). ARCA Racing Series officials opened the track for the first drafting session Wednesday afternoon. Duno led a pack of five cars around the 2.5-mile oval for a few laps before dropping to the back of the pack to see how her No. 63 Dodge would react in the draft. During the draft Duno posted a fast time of 48.67 seconds (184.907 mph) putting her second on the speed charts for much of the session. “We made many changes today to improve the car and make it faster,” stated Duno. “We had the second-fastest time until the track cooled and the next drafting pack was able to turn a slightly faster time. We will try a few more changes and keep working on the draft tomorrow.” The final day of testing led to more single car runs in the morning session. Crew Chief Jon Wolfe tried several different setups running a total of 10 laps. The focus returned to drafting again in the afternoon’s final test session. Running a total of 32 laps, Duno drafted in two different five to eight car packs. She took turns taking her No. 63 machine to the front of the pack and dropping to the back working to get the feel of drafting up to another car and passing. Duno finished the day with the sixth-fastest time, rounding the legendary track with a time of 48.727 seconds (184.703 mph). Among the several female drivers participating in the test, Duno was quickest in each of the six sessions and fastest overall for the three-day test. “We focused today on drafting and we ended up with pretty good results,” said Duno. “This was just the third day working with the team we’re working together very well. They are a great group of people and they know what they’re doing – it is a fantastic opportunity for me.” After the three-day test session, Duno and her Sheltra Motorsports team are ready to hit the track when the ARCA Racing Series takes the green flag on Daytona’s high banks Saturday, February 12th. “Milka did extremely well this week,” said Wolfe. “I think we got what we wanted out of the test. We look forward to getting back to DIS in February where we can spend more time drafting and practicing in larger packs. She will give a good performance when the green flag drops on race day.” Milka Duno to run the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona - January 2011 Sheltra Motorsports, the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menard’s Champion, has signed Milka Duno to run the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway (DIS). Duno, a driver in the IndyCar Series, will begin her foray with Sheltra Motorsports piloting the No. 63 Dodge Charger at the newly-repaved Daytona International Speedway for three days of ARCA Racing Series testing January 11-13. Champion crew chief, Jon Wolfe, will work with Duno throughout the test session to get her comfortable, fast and ready for the ARCA Racing Series season opener at DIS on February 12th. “This is truly an exciting opportunity for all of us at Sheltra Motorsports.” said Wolfe. “We are aiming to carry our momentum of the 2010 championship season into 2011”. “We are really excited to have the opportunity to work with Milka in Daytona and to give her a shot at being the first female to win a major event in stock car racing.” Sheltra said. “Our goal is to get her comfortable at the test, and I have no doubt she will have a great performance in the race.” Brandon Hinson, owner of Hinson Sports Management and Director of Marketing for Sheltra Motorsports, has been working with Duno’s team for several months to bring the Venezuelan driver to Sheltra Motorsports. “We made the commitment to give her the best equipment and opportunity possible to be successful.” Hinson said. “I believe that when she gets behind the wheel of the No. 63 this week, it will be the beginning of a great year for Milka.” “I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity to test with the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menard’s Championship winning team,” said Duno. “Patrick, Jon and Brandon head a very skilled and dedicated organization and having met with them and visited their facility it is easy to see why they are the 2010 champions!” Sheltra Motorsports has worked all off-season to have a multi-car program in 2011, and things are beginning to shape up to make that a reality. More announcements are set to be made in the coming weeks. Additional information about Milka Duno’s 2011 season will also become available in the next several weeks. Sanctioning body places Duno on probation (7/24/10) The Indy Racing League, sanctioning body for the IZOD IndyCar Series, has placed driver Milka Duno on probation through Dec. 31 for not consistently meeting minimal performance standards. Duno's probation requires immediate and substantial improvement to her driving during the remaining events on the 2010 schedule. Substantial improvement is defined as consistently meeting the performance standards set by the league on a particular circuit. On road and street courses this is measured in terms of time (107 percent of lead car), and on ovals it is measured in terms of speed (10 mph of the lead car). In addition to time and speed, other requirements include car control/placement and interaction with other cars on track. If the improvements are not met, the league may impose other penalties at its discretion. Pursuant to Rule 9.3 (C): The Senior Official may place a member on probation. Probation is a state of limitation upon a Member's privileges usually following an act or omission occurring before or during membership with which calls into question the Member's willingness or ability to abide by standards required for membership. The purpose of probation is to establish a process to allow a Member to prove, by the Member's conduct, that the standards of membership are understood and will be honored at all times. During probation, a member is under heightened scrutiny and a Member can be required to abide by specific standards of conduct which are more stringent than those which are otherwise applicable. If a Member violates probation, the Member is subject to a more severe penalty. The duration and condition of the probation are within the discretion of the Officials. Duno will have the opportunity to contest the penalty, pursuant to the IZOD IndyCar Series rule book. She did not post a time in qualifications for the Honda Indy Edmonton and will start 25th. Source: www.indycar.com/news/archive/show/55-izod-indycar-series/38768-sanctioning-body-places-duno-on-probation/ Milka Duno: Indy 250 Iowa (6/19/10) IZOD IndyCar driver Milka Duno will compete in the Iowa Corn Indy 250 this Sunday, June 20 at Iowa Speedway. The race will air live starting at 130pm ET on VERSUS. This will be Duno's third race at the 7/8-mile tri-oval designed by Rusty Wallace. Duno's best start at Iowa Speedway was 19th and her best finish was 18th. Duno hopes to bring to Iowa some of the momentum gained in her last IndyCar race at Texas motor Speedway where she posted 6th fastest in the first practice session for the race and qualified 17th. "A lot of hard work started to pay some dividends at the Texas race and that's encouraging," commented Milka. "But we still have a lot of work to do. We'll take what we learned at there and bring to Iowa and hopefully build on that. We've all been working very hard and it feels like we're heading in the right direction." Both practice sessions and the qualifying session will occur on Saturday, June 19 and the qualifications will air on VERSUS on Saturday at 6pm ET. Firestone 550k Race in Texas (6/6/10) IZOD IndyCar driver Milka Duno's race ended due to mechanical issues on lap 116 of the 228-lap Firestone 550k at Texas Motor Speedway. Duno was 6th fastest in the first practice session on Friday and hopes were high for the qualifying session a few hours later - but she was concerned about an increase in the engine temperature. While qualifying, she again noticed a change in the car but was able to generate an average lap speed that would place her 17th on the starting grid for the race. The 2nd and final practice session on Friday confirmed that something was not definitely not right as her time placed her at the back of the pack. The Dale Coyne Racing team immediately went to work on the car to identify and correct the issues in time for the start of the race on Saturday night. To address the temperature issues the team replaced the oil cooler and worked on the car's gearbox. From the wave of the green flag for the start of the 342-mile/550-kilometer race Duno could tell that the car was still not at its best and that it had nowhere near the speed that she had generated in the first practice session. At mid-point of the race a piece of track debris - an piece of aluminum - struck and damaged the car's front wing and punctured the radiator. Duno's race ended due to mechanical issues - placing her in 23rd. "Coming to this race after the difficulty we had at Indy and then generating the result we did in the first practice session here at Texas was a great thing for all of us," said Duno. "We work very hard at this and it just shows what we can achieve and what we are capable of when everything is working well and we have a bit of luck too! The crew was great and everyone gave it their best as they always do, but unfortunately we weren't able to carry the results of that first session into qualifying and then into the race. Something was still missing in the car - and then the debris ended our effort too early. "Milka had one of her most competitive weekends of her IndyCar career," commented team owner Dale Coyne. "Finishing 6th during the first practice session yesterday, she qualified 17th out of the 26 car field and was running competitive lap times in the race after slight changes during her first two pit stops. However, after her 109th lap of the race today, she left the race due to mechanical problems. Debris from Simona De Silvestro's crash punctured the radiator in her car, thus causing problems cooling the engine. This was the end of what could have been a great weekend for Milka." Milka Duno Off Track Giving Back (5/20/10) Duno's "Milka Way" Program Strives to Inspire Students Just prior to the start of on track preparation for her fourth consecutive Indianapolis 500 on May 30, IndyCar driver Milka Duno, through her "Milka Way" program, spoke to students and staff during an assembly at Indianapolis-based Christel House Academy about the value of education and the importance of giving back to the community. Duno's visit with the kids at Christel House Academy is not the only example of her passionate outreach - just the most recent. She has taken this message across the USA and around the world to motivate students and help them understand the importance and value of education. Six years ago Duno created the "Milka Way" program to inspire and motivate children and students to "Aim for the Stars" and achieve academic excellence. A qualified Naval Engineer, Duno has four master's degrees - in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Aquaculture and Maritime Business - earning the last three degrees simultaneously. "I'm very passionate about educations and I want to do everything I can to inspire kids to study hard and aim for the stars!" says Duno. In Malaysia earlier this year for a speaking engagement commemorating International Women's Day Duno visited with children in Kuala Lumpur. In January, she spoke with students and staff at Union High School in Laredo, TX. While in California for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach she spoke at two schools - Hollenbeck Middle School in East LA and to engineering students at California Polytechnic University in Pomona. In addition to visits in cities across the USA and in Malaysia, Duno has spoken with children and students in Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Milka Duno Signs with Dale Coyne Racing (3/4/10) Duno to Compete in Full 2010 IndyCar Series Championship Schedule IZOD IndyCar® driver Milka Duno has signed with Dale Coyne Racing for the full 2010 IndyCar Series Championship schedule. While this will be Duno’s fourth consecutive season in IndyCar – it will mark her first full-schedule season. “I look forward to competing with Dale Coyne Racing. I’ve had the chance to speak with Dale and the team to discuss goals for the season and we are in harmony in all areas," said Duno. “For the past three seasons I’ve only run partial schedules and I’m anxious to be competing in all the races this year. Doing so builds momentum and maintains consistency that I feel is a key factor to good results. The full schedule includes seven races at tracks that I have yet to compete on so I will be doing my absolute best to learn these new tracks as quickly as possible. This full season will be challenging – but I’m very thankful for the opportunity!” Duno will contest all seventeen races on the 2010 schedule beginning with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 14, 2010. “We are very excited about the challenges and rewards that lie ahead for Milka,” commented Team Owner Dale Coyne. “We have seen Milka’s competitiveness on the ovals and now we look forward to focusing on the road course effort on a full time basis in 2010.” Milka has won on road courses before in other categories, but 2010 represents her most serious attack at the road courses of Indy Cars. The team has planned an extensive testing program for the coming season with a focus on road and street circuits. The team now prepares for its two car entry at the first race of the season in Brazil on March 14th. An announcement of Milka’s team mate driving the #19 car will be made next week. (Alex Lloyd) About Milka Duno Duno is the first Hispanic woman, in the 93-year history of the race, to qualify for and compete in the Indy 500. She’s also the first Hispanic woman to lead an IndyCar Series race. In 2004, she became the first woman in history to win a major race in the USA when she won the Rolex Series Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway. She also scored a 2nd place overall finish in the legendary 24 Hours of Daytona – earning the highest finish ever by a female driver in the 45-year history of the race. She has eight major race wins to her credit and many minor wins as well. Duno became the first Venezuelan athlete to be inducted into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame at their 35th Anniversary Induction Ceremony in January, 2010. A qualified Naval Engineer, Duno has four master's degrees - in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Aquaculture and Maritime Business – earning the last three degrees simultaneously. Six years ago she created the “Milka Way” Program - whose mission it is to inspire children and students to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. Duno has taken this message to children and students at all school levels around the world to help inspire and motivate them and help them understand the importance of education – and how a strong academic background will benefit them their entire life – in all aspects of their life – and in any career they choose. Go, Milka, Go! - a book about Duno’s life and racing career, was awarded the Best Young Adult Sports/Recreation Book of 2009 at the 11th Annual International Latino Book Awards. The prestigious awards honor literary excellence within the Latino community in a variety of categories. Source: www.dalecoyneracing.com/release030410.html Duno's Daytona Debut Marks Return of Braun Racing (12-28-09) Caracus, Venezuela's Milka Duno was among nine women who took their shot at Daytona Int'l Speedway during the three-day ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards open test in preparation for the upcoming season-opening Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 Saturday, February 6, LIVE on SPEED at 4:00 pm. In the 2005 season Milka has already scored her third Rolex Series overall win at the 6 Heures du Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Canada and is currently seventh in the Driver's Point Standings - out of a total of 129 male drivers. Milka won both Rolex Series races in 2004 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. When Milka won the first race last year at Homestead-Miami Speedway she became the first woman in history to win a major sports car race in North America. Milka is the first woman to race in the fastest class of the Rolex Series - the Daytona Prototype. Milka finished the 2004 Rolex Series with 2 wins, one 2nd place finish, one 3rd place finish and she finished 5th in the Driver Point Standings - out of a total of 80 male drivers - and in her very first year racing in the top class Daytona Prototypes. 2004 Grand American Rolex Series Caracas, Venezuela. Named "Venezuelan Auto Racing Driver of the Year" in 2000, and "American Le Mans Series 2001 Vice Champion Driver," Duno is now in her second year of competition in the Rolex Sports Car Series (similar to the ALMS), where she drives a CITGO-sponsored Pontiac Crawford Daytona Prototype. In September she tested a Champ Car at Sebring International Raceway for HVM Racing. So who knows where she'll end up in 2006? Milka has four Master’s degrees - Organizational Development, Navy Architecture, Maritime Business and Marine Biology, the last three earned simultaneously. But that’s all work and no play - so she decided to try driving racecars for fun. After a few laps, she was hooked, and at 25, she had a new career, finishing a remarkable second in the Venezuelan GT Championship. In 1998, her first year as a professional driver, Milka competed in the Venezuelan Porsche Supercup Championship, with two podium finishes finishing fourth overall. She went on to compete in the Barber Dodge series in the United States simultaneously competing in the Women’s Global GT Series Championship where she placed third overall. In 2000, Milka captured the Panoz GT Series Championship. She moved up from the Barber Dodge series to the Barber Dodge Pro, and made her debut in the American Le Mans series where she placed third in the season finale in Australia. In addition, Milka celebrated becoming the first woman in the United States and second in the world to ever win the Ferrari Challenge race at Road Atlanta, along with being named the “Venezuelan Auto Racing Driver of the Year”. As the only woman running a regular schedule in the American Le Mans series in 2001, Milka achieved four wins. These included the 1000 Miles of Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and Milka was also named “American Le Mans Series 2001 Vice Champion Driver”. Milka competed in the renowned Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and the most famous race in the world - the 24 hours of Le Mans in France. This led to invitations to vie in the Open Telefonica series in Europe with the Vergani Racing Team where she became the first woman ever to score points in the most important single seat racing series in Europe aside from Formula One. With the sponsorship necessary to make it big in the racing world, the future looks even brighter for Milka. If there are limits to her potential performance, no one knows what they might be. In 2004, Milka captured a first place finish with teammate, Andy Wallace, becoming the first woman in history to achieve an overall win in the Grand American Road Racing Series, and then in Ohio stood on the podium again with a second place finish. From road courses to ovals, from open cockpit cars to closed cockpit cars, Milka continues to distinguish herself on a variety of tracks - and in a variety of cars. An icon in her native Venezuela, Milka is well on her way to becoming one of the most skilled multi-disciplined drivers in the world. All of this without even breaking a nail. Milka is the centerpiece in Pontiac's largest-ever Hispanic marketing campaign and is the first Latina to be featured in the advertising launch of the new Pontiac G6. Since September, Milka has been appearing in a four-page print ad and two new Spanish language television ads as part of the launch of Pontiac's all-new entry. The in-language, culturally relevant ads are part of Pontiac's largest Hispanic marketing campaign ever. As Pontiac's spokesperson for the Hispanic market, Milka has appeared in the Pontiac exhibit at various auto shows around the country to meet fans during public autograph sessions. Talent, beauty and youth are just a few of the many adjectives that define the image of Milka Duno. By education and training a Naval Engineer with four master’s degrees – in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Maritime Business and Marine Biology – Milka earned the last three simultaneously. The first Latin American women driver ever to be classified "expert", Milka's professional driving career reaches new heights each year. She has participated in many international races and has driven a wide selection of race cars, including the Porsche Supercup, Ferrari Challenge 355, Formula 2000 Dodge, Reynard Dodge 98E, Panoz GT-RA, Dodge Viper GTS, Coloni Nissan CN1/C, and Reynard-Judd 01-Q, the Lola B2K/40/Judd, Dome S-101/Judd, Dallara AES/Nissan and the Panoz LMP07. As “Venezuelan Auto Racing Driver of the Year” in 2000 and “American Le Mans Series 2001 Vice Champion Driver” in the 675LMP class, Milka has attracted the attention of motorsport fans worldwide - and from influential people in the organizational and competitive areas of motorsport in the USA and Europe. In 2002 Milka became the first woman in the history of sportscar racing to pilot the fastest and most technologically-advanced sportscar in the world – the Le Mans Prototype 900, and the first woman in history to pilot the fastest car in the Open Telefonica World Series – the last step on the ladder to Formula One. Combining beauty, brains and lightning-fast reflexes, Milka is arguably one of the most charismatic and talented drivers of her generation. This rising woman star is no slouch behind the wheel either - in her short career, the beautiful naval engineer has become one of the most popular drivers on racetracks all over the world, garnering considerable attention from the national and international motorsports and mainstream media. Milka began her racing career in Venezuelan club racing in 1996-1997, finishing 2nd in the Venezuelan GT Championship. In 1998, her first year of professional racing, Milka scored two podium finishes and placing 4th overall in the Venezuelan Porsche Supercup Championship. Milka also headed to the United States to compete in the Barber Dodge 2000 series. 1999 saw Milka competing in the United States and scoring 3rd overall in the Women’s Global GT Series Championship – and again in the Barber Dodge 2000. 2000 was a very busy year, and brought further success to Milka as she not only won her first race of the year – but the Panoz GT Series Championship as well. Moving up the ladder in the Barber series Milka raced the Barber Dodge Pro Series - with races on ovals all across America. Milka attended and excelled in the Derek Daly Academy Advanced Formula course and conducted several tests during the year in Formula 2000. Milka also scored a top podium finish in a Ferrari Challenge race at Road Atlanta in a Ferrari F-355 – becoming the first woman to ever win a Ferrari Challenge race in the United States – and the second in the world. It continued to be a stellar year for Milka with an additional two podiums in the Ferrari Challenge – and her debut in the prestigious American Le Mans Series. Milka competed in the ALMS in a Dodge Viper GTS and finished 3rd in class in the series’ 2000 season finale in Australia. At the very popular Homestead-Miami oval Milka participated in the Richard Petty Driving School. Well on her way to gaining international notoriety, Milka became the only female driver running a regular schedule in the 2001 ALMS Championship – piloting an LMP 675 – yet another step-up the racing ladder. In this very competitive class Milka won four races, including the 1000 Miles of Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and ended the season as the “American Le Mans Series 2001 Vice Champion Driver” in the LMP 675 class. 2001 also had Milka competing in a Dodge Viper in the legendary Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona – finishing 6th in class. She also contested the most famous sportscar race in the world – the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. Also in 2001, her previous racing performances prompted invitations to participate in Open Telefonica, the most important single seat racing series in Europe - after Formula One. In this series, Milka drove a Coloni Nissan CN1/C with the Vergani Racing team, which finished second in the 2000 and 2001 championship. In her first season, she became the first woman ever to score points in this prestigious European series. 2002 was a very busy year for this truly international driver. Milka once again participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – being the only woman among 149 drivers. And in the 2002 American Le Mans Series, Milka became the first woman in history to pilot sportscar’s fastest race car – the LMP 900. Milka distinguished herself in the most competitive car – in the most competitive class – in the most competitive sportscar series in the world – by finishing an amazing 12th out of 54 drivers. Milka also continued in Europe’s Open Telefonica and at the end of that season Milka stepped-up in class in this series and raced in the last two races in the World Series category – becoming the first woman in history to ever do so. In 2003, Milka completed yet another season in Europe's World Series by Nissan. Milka was also invited by Porsche to compete as a VIP Driver in the Porsche Supercup race as part of the Formula One Grand Prix of Spain in May 2003, and by Toyota to compete in their 27th annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity race as part of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in April, 2003. In both of these prestigious events, Milka was the first Latina in history invited to participate. Milka is both proud and excited to be racing in 2004 with CITGO Racing and will compete full season in the Rolex Sports Car Championship Series with the highly accomplished Andy Wallace as her co-driver in the Howard Boss Motorsport #2 Pontiac Crawford Daytona Prototype - where the duo scored their first win at the Grand Prix of Miami this February. With this win Milka became the first woman in history to achieve an overall win in a major North American sports car race. Milka continues to distinguish herself on a variety of tracks - and in a variety of cars - and has proven to be well on her way to becoming one of the most skilled multi-diciplined drivers in the world. Visit Milka Duno’s web site at www.milkaduno.com and www.milkaduno.com/news/050725.htm or info@milkaduno.com or milkaduno@milkaduno.com For All Commercial and Personal Management Inquiries Please Contact: For All Media & Public Relations Inquiries and Requests Please Contact: Adrian Sussman/Clare Caudwell, CSS Stellar /Gem Group, 2801 Youngfield, Suite 210, Golden , CO 80401, 303.237.0616 phone or 303.237.0609 fax Harry Capehart, RacePR, 626.852.9606 or Fax 626.852.9656 or hcapehart@hotmail.com Duno to receive ALMA award IndyCar Series driver Milka Duno has been selected as a Special Achievement Honoree in the sports category as part of the NCLR ALMA Awards (8-10 p.m. EDT Sept. 18 on ABC). Duno also will co-present the Male Actor/TV Comedy award with Rainn Wilson from the TV show "The Office." The 11th NCLR ALMA Awards, co-hosted by film and television actors Eva Longoria Parker and George Lopez, pays tribute to Latino heritage in film, music, television and sports. September is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Milka Duno's Story Awarded Best Young Adult Sports/Recreation Book of 2009 Go, Milka, Go! - The Life of Indycar Driver Milka Duno - Wins at the 11th Annual International Latino Book Awards. LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2009) - Go, Milka, Go! - the book about the life of IndyCar Series driver Milka Duno, was awarded the Best Young Adult Sports/Recreation Book of 2009 at the 11th Annual International Latino Book Awards. The ceremony, held in New York City on Thursday, May 28, 2009, took place during BookExpo America, the largest publishing event in North America. The prestigious awards honor literary excellence within the Latino community in a variety of categories. In recognition of the many positive contributions being made to Latino literature by publishers and writers worldwide, Latino Literacy Now, created the Latino Book Awards in 1999. Due to the dramatic increase in recent years in nominations of literary works from Mexico, Central and South America and Spain, the title of the awards was changed to the International Latino Book Awards in 2006. Latino Literacy Now is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes literacy and literary excellence within the Latino community. "Getting the award for this book was a wonderful surprise and a cherished honor," said Milka. “We set out to hopefully tell a story that children would find both entertaining and inspiring. I feel that we accomplished the goal and to have it confirmed with this award is truly fantastic! Bringing the book to fruition was a very creative journey and I'm happy that my first effort has been so well-received. I am happy as well for those I worked with on this project - Raquel Benatar, Adrian Rubio and all the people at Renaissance House.” Inspired by Milka’s life, the book was a longtime dream and a true labor of love for Milka, who was involved in every step of the process - from creation to production. Race car driver Milka Duno is a playful, studious, and mischievous child as she races and competes through the inspiring pages of this children's book. Milka shares her most tender early childhood memories, her desire to learn and achieve, and the dedication necessary to succeed, from the first school days in Caracas, Venezuela, to the competitions at racing circuits all over the world. Through the story, young readers are inspired by Milka's message: the value of education, the pleasure of competing and winning, the importance of a team effort, and that determination, solidarity and generosity are the main ingredients to a successful life. She demystifies popularity as it is understood today in schools; and above all, she supports hard work, discipline, perseverance and self-confidence as the path to fulfilling dreams. Duno is the first and only Hispanic female driver in the IndyCar Series, competing with the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team in the #23 CITGO-sponsored car. Off the track, Duno is a certified Naval Engineer who holds four master’s degrees, earning the last three simultaneously. Duno is also working through her “Milka Way” program to inspire youth to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. Duno appeared in the May 2008 Warner Bros. movie, “Speed Racer.” For more information, please visit www.milkaduno.com . Duno Scores Highest Daytona 24 Finish in Rolex Era At Daytona last weekend is the highest finish for a female driver in the Rolex Series era. Duno also joins an elite list of only five women to finish in the top-ten overall in the event's 44-year history. Duno, Dario Franchitti, Marino Franchitti and Kevin McGarrity took their No. 7 CITGO/SAMAX Pontiac-powered Riley Mk XI as high as second overall before a drive-shaft failure and a broken right-rear suspension put them behind the wall 7 hours and 55 minutes into the 24-hour race. After 55 minutes in the garage for repairs the team was back on track and charging hard to regain position. The four drivers shared their duties equally for the 24-hour classic - driving six hours each. Duno was behind the wheel for the final stint and took the checkered flag eighth overall. Duno joins Lyn St. James, Lilian Bryner, Kathy Rude and Kim Hiskey as one of only five women to finish in the top-ten overall in over four decades of 24 Hours of Daytona competition. Duno, in only two Rolex Series seasons, has three career Rolex Series overall wins, six podiums, nine top-five finishes and seventeen top-ten finishes. When Duno won the Rolex Series Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Feb 2004 she became the first woman in history to score an overall win in a major sports car race in North America. She scored her second overall win at the same track nine months later - in Sept 2004 and scored her third overall win last year at Mont-Tremblant. Duno finished the 2004 season 5th in the Driver Point Standings and the 2005 Season 8th in the Driver Point Standings. She is the only regular full season female competitor in the highest class of the Rolex Series and is the first woman to drive and score points in the Daytona Prototype class. Source: www.milkaduno.com/news/060201.htm Franchittis Team with Duno, McGarrity for Daytona 24 Rolex Series regular Milka Duno of Venezuela will be reunited with two of her co-drivers in last year's Rolex 24, Scots Dario and Marino Franchitti, plus Irishman Kevin McGarrity, in the No. 7 Citgo-backed, Pontiac-powered Riley Mk XI at this month’s 24 Hours of Daytona, scheduled for January 28-29 at the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway infield road course in Daytona Beach, Fla. Duno, a triple Rolex Sports Car Series winner, is the first woman to win a major North American sports-car race and the first woman to score points in the highest Rolex Series class – the Daytona Prototype. Dario Franchitti, now residing in Nashville, Tenn., has won 14 races in the IRL Indy Car Series and CART Championship Series. His brother Marino, of Bathgate, Scotland, has excelled in endurance racing, with results that include the fastest Rolex 24 GT test speed in 2002 and a record P2 pole in the 2004 12 Hours of Sebring. McGarrity has raced at the top in both open-wheel and sports cars. He set the fastest straight-line speed in the 24 Heures du Mans in 2004. "Daytona is magical – the environment, the people, the fun – and the Daytona 24-hour is an amazing race," Duno said. "I'm very happy to race again with Dario and Marino because we raced last year and I learned so much from them. We'll return with Kevin for a podium this year!" Marino Franchitti believes the quartet could be even stronger this year. "We were so competitive last year; we were fast enough to win the race. It's something to build on again for this year. I think it's going to be even more competitive – the level just keeps going up – but we've certainly got the car and the drivers to do it, so we'll try our best." The Franchitti brothers partnered with Duno and Dan Wheldon of St. Petersburg, Fla., in the 2005 Rolex 24 and were running fourth when contact with a wayward Porsche ended the strong run after 18 hours. "It is an added bonus to have my good friend Kevin McGarrity on the team this year,” Dario said. “I think we will have a lot of fun, but ultimately we are here to try and win some watches!" The Riley will be prepared by Florida-based SAMAX Motorsport. Mechanical Problems End Rolex Season for CITGO Racing Historic Mexico City event results in disappointing finish for Wallace, Duno Mexico City, Mexico (November 6, 2005) -- The Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series brought the curtain down on the 2005 season with an historic first-ever event at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez. Unfortunately, the race and the season did not finish like the #2 CITGO Racing Team wished. Mechanical problems forced the CITGO Racing Team to retire after only 22 laps and resulted in a 20th-place finish in the Daytona Prototype class. "I had really good start and was able to advance four positions from my qualifying time," Duno stated. I could sense that something was not entirely right with the steering and at about lap 10 it became even more pronounced. I fought hard to maintain my position while waiting for pit instructions from the team. The steering problem started to get worse and really affected my lap times. We finally had no choice but to make a green flag pit stop on lap 19." "Andy got in the car and after only one lap brought it back in due to the steering. The team rushed to make the repairs that they could and Andy then headed back out. After only one lap again he brought the car back and this time the team knew that they needed to take the car behind the pit wall for more extensive and time-consuming repairs. Andy then took it back out for what turned out to be our final lap - as the car was retired due to the steering problems." "I can't tell you how much we wanted a good result here. We all worked so hard to deliver a great season-ending finish for the team, CITGO and the incredibly supportive fans here in Mexico, Milka added. "I have never felt so encouraged and so supported as I have felt this week. The Mexican fans are truly amazing -- they give their heart to you. The people of Mexico City have welcomed us with such open arms and incredible enthusiasm that it is hard to describe -- but you feel it -- you definitely feel it! To the fans here in Mexico -- you have my heart. I absolutely can't wait to race here again!" "It's really unfortunate that we had the problems with our car today," Wallace added. "I know that everyone on the CITGO Racing Team wanted to come to Mexico City and end the 2005 season with a strong performance. I'm disappointed for the team because of their hard work and effort all year. It's a tough way to end the season." Source: milkaduno.sexysportschicks.com/ 2010 IRL Results (Grid/Finish/Qualifying Speed/Laps Completed/Status) Date Track Start Finish Laps Status 3/14 Streets of San Paulo, Brazil 24 21 20/61 Contact 3/28 St Pete 24 24 7/100 Handling. 4/11 Barber Motorsports Park 24 24 86/90 Running 4/18 Long Beach 25 25 10 Handling 5/1 Kansas 24 26 84/200 Mechanical 5/30 Indianapolis - - - - 6/12 Texas 17 23 116/228. Mechanical. 6/20 Iowa 25 23 31/250 Handling 7/4 Watkins Glen 24 23 57/60 . 7/18 Toronto 25 26 8/85 Handling 7/25 Edmonton 25 25 4/95 Handling 8/8 Mid-Ohio 27 23 81/85 Running 8/22 Infeneon 24 22 67/75 Running 8/28 Chicagoland 26 19 197/200 Running 9/6 Kentucky 19 24 195/200 Running 9/18 Japan 25 19 197/200 Running 10/2 Homestead-Miami .27 24 170/200 Contact 2009 IRL Results Date Track Start Finish Qualified at Total Laps Status at Finish 4/26/09 Kansas 12 16 208.537 195 Running 5/24/09 Indianapolis 30 20 221.106 199 Running 6/6/09 Texas Motor Speedway 20 23 211.601 1 Contact 7/5/09 Watkins Glen 19 17 129.501 58 Running 8/1/09 Kentucky 15 20 NA 165 Running 8/9/09 Mid-Ohio 20 21 109.057 56 Handling 8/23/09 Infeneon 22 17 99.150 70 Running 8/29/09 Chicago 21 21 211.465 155 Mechanical 10/10/09 Homestead-Miami 17 17 210.020 187 Running Racing Highlights 2005 - Rolex Sports Car Series Championship with CITGO Racing Currently twelve races into the fourteen race schedule - 8th in Driver Point Standings Earned 3rd Rolex Series overall win at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Quebec 2004 - Rolex Sports Car Series Championship with CITGO Racing 5th in Driver Point Standings, 2 Wins, 5 Top-Five Finishes, 10 Top-Ten Finishes First woman to win overall a major international sports car race in North America outright in 24 years when she triumphed in the second round of the 2004 Grand American (GrandAm) Sportscar Series at Homestead on 28 February 2004 First woman to twice win overall a major sports car race in North America First woman to drive the fastest cars in the Rolex Series - the Daytona Prototype American Le Mans Series Championship Class Win - Petit Le Mans LMP 2 Class First woman with two class wins at Petit Le Mans 2003 - Europe’s World Series Light by Nissan Championship VIP Driver - Porsche Supercup race as part of Formula One Grand Prix of Spain 2002 - American Le Mans Series Championship - LMP 900 Class First woman to drive the fastest cars in the American Le Mans Series - LMP 900 The 24 Hours of Le Mans, Le Mans, France Europe’s World Series Light by Nissan Championship Europe’s Open Telefonica World Series First woman to race the fastest cars in the Open Telefonica World Series 2001 - American Le Mans Series Championship - LMP 675 Class Vice-Champion Driver - LMP 675 Class 4 wins - including first woman to win the prestigious Petit Le Mans Europe’s World Series Light by Nissan Championship. First woman in history to score points in this prestigious series The 24 Hours of Le Mans, Le Mans, France The 24 Hours of Daytona, Daytona Beach, Florida 2000 - Champion - Panoz GT Series Championship Barber Dodge Pro Series Ferrari Challenge First woman to win a Ferrari Challenge race in the USA American Le Mans Series GTS Championship Photo Gallery Photos: Mazda Laguna Seca, May 5-7, 2006. Gordon Clay  *     *     * WomenInRacing.org | Contact Us ©1996-2023 by Gordon Clay