Published: May 19, 2008 11:50 pm         

Duno becoming one of Indy’s most popular drivers

INDIANAPOLIS — Drivers new to the IndyCar series often go unnoticed or noticed for some misfortune on the track, but at last year’s Indianapolis 500, people noticed Milka Duno for being Milka Duno. As soon as she stepped into Gasoline Alley, fans fell in love with her. Most had never heard of her, but they liked her. “When I come to Indy I didn’t expect to have so many fans because I was new here. It was a great surprise for me.”

She charmed everyone. Fans followed her everywhere. They hung around the fence by her pit, hoping to draw her attention. They waited and waited outside her garage for a chance to see the Venezuelan beauty. “I have fans, but last year there were so many more. It was great.

They give to you great motivation. They are standing for your, cheering for you.” She patiently signed autographs, posed for pictures and even had Steve Ferguson, who works as a Yellow Shirt, blow her a kiss. “I’ll probably never live that down, he said, ‘but so what.”

The more people learned about Duno, the more people respected her. She was not just a pretty face trying to take some laps in the world’s most famous race. Duno made education a priority in her life. She holds four Masters Degrees in Naval Architecture, Maritime Business, Marine Biology and Organizational Development.

In 1998 while working as a Naval Engineer, Duno participated in a Porsche driving clinic. The precision and challenge of racing captivated her attention. From there she went on to compete in the Venezuelan Porsche Supercup where she earned two podium finishes. Duno competed in various sports car series in the U.S. and across the globe including the 24 hours of Le Mans. Just six years later, she became the first woman to win a major international sports car race in North American by taking the overall win at the Grand Prix of Miami in the Grand Am Rolex Series.

During last year’s Rolex 24 hours at Daytona, Duno finished second in her Daytona Prototype class, the best finish ever by a woman in the 45-year history of the race. However, she wanted to return to open wheel racing, something she had been competing in Europe. “It’s a special race. I always say in my mind, I want to do this, and here I am.”

Her inaugural entry to IndyCar racing came at Kansas in 2007. The SAMAX Motorsport entry finished 14th. Just a few weeks later, Duno thrust herself in the whirlwind that is Indianapolis. “Last year, it was a brand new team and a very small team. But during the 65 laps, I manage to make it up to 22nd.” A spin in Turn 1 ended her rookie 500 in 31st place.

Fast forward to 2008. Duno returns to IndyCar with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing with an 11-race schedule and teammate former Indy 500 champion Buddy Rice. “I have an advantage now. We have so much more information about the cars.” Another advantage for her this year is the racing experience of team co-owner Robbie Buhl. “I am working with Robbie as a driver coach. Since beginning, we have good communication. There are many people with experience, but not everyone knows how to teach, how to transmit information, and he knows very well how to do that, and that is what I need.”

Buhl, a veteran of eight Indy 500s, finds Duno very receptive. “She is eager to learn and making 'spot-on' comments, which is keeping us on track."

Even though Duno speaks English well, it is crucial during a race that there are no communication issues. Buhl, the engineers and Duno have found a way to avoid any miscues. “I'm working with Milka on framing up the car and helping her learn the keywords that our engineers best understand. When she wants changes during a pit, we're able to communicate those to the engineers and ensure we make the right adjustments. At Indy, the slightest change can make the biggest impact.”

“I’m very excited to come back. We want to do all championship but only have sponsorship for 11 races. We are working to find rest of the season sponsors.”

Her name is not just in the IndyCar lineup this season. Duno completed her first role in a major motion picture. With the May 9th release of “Speed Racer”, she now finds herself on the big screen, even if it is not a starring role. Duno plays Russian driver Kellie Gearbox in the screen adaptation of the familiar children’s cartoon. “It was a small part, but very important for me. How many people would like to be in the movies? It was a surprise when they called me.”

Duno has watched just a small part of the movie. During its premiere in Miami, she did so many red carpet interviews and television appearances, she did not get a chance to see the movie, but hopes to watch it soon.

In addition, Duno has published a children’s book. The book shows her in cartoon character form talking about herself and the importance of education. “It is to give a positive message about the value of education. You can do sports only while you are in condition, but and education is forever.” It is just my contribution to young readers.” She has traveled extensively bringing her message to schools.

For Sunday’s Indy 500, Duno will start 27th, outside of row nine, two positions better than last year and faster at 220.305. “I’m happy, but I think we can run quicker. It’s fantastic for me. It is always fun here.”

Duno has two starts this IndyCar season. She ran the season opener in Homestead Miami. She started 23, but finished 20 due to an accident. Most recently at Kansas, she started 23rd again, but improved to a 16th -place finish.

For her and others, Duno has proven that there are new challenges and something to learn everyday, but perseverance and patience is the key to success.