CITGO Racing is sponsoring the Venezuelan female race car driver Milka Duno as she compete in the upcoming 2007 season of IndyCar Series. Milka Duno is notable for being the first ever woman driver and first Latina to win a major international sports car racing in North American by obtaining the overall win at the Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2004.
This time, Milka Duno will enter the 2007 IndyCar Series and will compete in the 91st Indianapolis 500 along with other nine racing events this 2007 season under SAMAX Motor sports team. She will go behind the steering wheel of the No. 23 CITGO Racing/SAMAX Motor sport Dallara/Honda/Firestone race car equipped with fuel filters like from VW Motor sports.
"This is a dream come true for me. I've always wanted to race in the Indianapolis 500 and in the IndyCar Series, and I can't begin to thank CITGO for continuing to support my racing, as well as everybody at SAMAX Motorsport," says Milka Duno. "The SAMAX team brings a lot of open-wheel experience to the IndyCar Series and I'm hopeful that will make my transition into the series a bit smoother. To make this announcement in my hometown of Miami with my family and friends and fans around me is terrific."
Felix RodrÃ?guez CITGO President and Chief Executive Officer said:
"I am very proud of Milka's accomplishments as a member of the great CITGO family and as a fellow Venezuelan. We certainly look forward to her continued success in this new phase of her career."
Meanwhile, Peter Baron, Team Pprincipal of SAMAX Motor sport also commented:
"I would like to personally thank CITGO and Milka for their continued support and faith in our program. We know this effort, with a new sponsor, driver and team will not be easy, but we are thrilled to have this opportunity and will work our hardest to give Milka the necessary tools to succeed on track."
Milka Duno started her racing career in Venezuela and eventually moved into the U.S. She has already competed in some of the most prestigious racing events including American Le Mans Series, 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Grand American Rolex Series. Some of the greatest achievements of Milka Duno in her racing career include 3 wins, 7 podium appearances, 10 top five finishes, and 26 top-10 finishes.
