Hit and Spin on Lap 7 Takes Duno Out of Contention at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 19, 2012) - Milka Duno’s hopes for a good result were dashed on lap 7 of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday afternoon.

Starting the 80-lap race 16th on the grid, Duno was hit and spun by the No. 68 on lap 7, causing her to go into a dramatic and dangerous spin off the track, across the grass and on to pit lane. The time needed to repair the damage caused by the spin placed her at the back of the 43-car field.

Back on the track after repairs Duno delivered very competitive times and was able to gain ground and finish the race in 37th.

“We had only two weeks to prepare the car for this race and the team put forth an enormous effort,” said Duno. “We basically arrived at Daytona with an untested car and we worked very hard to make the right adjustments. We bettered our times from practice to qualifying and felt that we had something very good to offer at the start of the race. Unfortunately the competitor behind me showed some bad judgment – especially so early on in the race - and it ruined our opportunity for a good result. Many thanks to the team for all of their hard work.”

In the first practice session for the race Duno was 24th quickest of the 52 cars participating in the session. Dave Leiner Jr. and his crew continued to make improvements on the No. 33 Chevrolet and their efforts helped Duno qualify 16th in the 43-car field for the race.

On lap 7, with speeds on the track approaching 190mph, the No. 68, against the rules, drove under the yellow line at the bottom of the track to advance position and then came back up and hit Duno from behind – sending her spinning at very high speed.

Duno handled the spin with great skill – but damage to the left front suspension and the time required to repair it placed her back on the track 43rd and 14 laps down.

With no realistic chance for a good result Duno and her team would still not give up and continued to fight hard until the end and posting very competitive lap times comparable to the leaders.

“It was unfortunate that Milka’s very competitive ability and opportunity to shine at Daytona was affected by another competitor’s mistake,” said crew chief Dave Leiner, Jr. “We know what Milka and our team can achieve and we look for our next opportunity at Mobile International Speedway to demonstrate that.”