Milka Duno - 2008 Summary: Top Female Honors in Laps Led & Indy 500 Finish

MIAMI (September 15, 2008)  After completing her sophomore season with her Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Team, Milka Duno was arguably the most improved driver of the year following her 11 race run in the 2008 IndyCar Series.   She drove her #23 CITGO Racing Dallara Honda to its best finish of the year at the Chicagoland season finale when she advanced from a 20th place starting position to finish 14th.  She also led this race for five laps making her the first Latina to ever lead an IndyCar race and also placing her ahead of the other female drivers for the total laps led during the 2008 season (Danica Patrick – 4 laps, Sarah Fisher – 0 laps).

In reflection of Milka’s 2008 racing season, she earned several accomplishments on the track.  These include the following:

• 11 starts;
• 5 laps led;
• Only female driver to take the checkered flag at the Indianapolis 500;
• Debut on IndyCar Series road courses (Watkins Glen, Mid Ohio & Detroit);
• Finished better than qualifying position, in all but three races;
• Best finish of 14th (Chicago) and best qualifying position of 16th (at Miami Homestead and Nashville) out of approximately 28 cars.  (Note that 2008 represented a big increase in the number of cars entered and the quality of teams/drivers as a result of IndyCar Series’ reunification with the Champ Car World Series);
• Only female Hispanic to be racing in the IndyCar Series; and,
• A fan favorite - she is one of the most popular drivers in the Series.

“I am very happy with my overall performance in 2008,” said Duno.  “With the help and support from my diligent Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team and experienced coach, Robbie Buhl, I was able to learn and continue to improve with each race.  I look forward to opportunities to test in the off-season and stay competitive in the 2009 championship.”                      

"Working with Milka this season has been a pleasure and her commitment to continue to improve her skills as a race car driver is inspiring,” said Gary Neal, team manager for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.  “Milka's love for racing and ability to interact with her fan base makes her a great ambassador for the sport.  She has been a wonderful addition to the IndyCar Series."

Off the track, Duno is a certified Naval Engineer who holds four master’s degrees.  Duno recently partnered with MANA Milka Way to inspire Hispanic youth to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence and appeared in the May 2008 Warner Bros. movie, “Speed Racer.”  She also launched a bilingual children’s book, “Go, Milka, Go!” in April 2008.  For more information, visit www.milkaduno.com.

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