As IndyCar Series teams try to scrap together enough money to go racing in 2009, one squad will be in good shape heading into the season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in April. Lincolnshire, Ill.-based Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing has acquired the driving services (and financial backing) of Milka Duno.
The Venezuelan female racer rose to fame last year not for her success on the track, but instead from a highly publicized shoving match with Danica Patrick that was caught on camera – becoming a YouTube sensation (below).
Now, Duno, who scored a best finish of 14th last year, moves to one of the most fabled teams in open-wheel racing, bringing an alleged $6 million in in sponsorship with her. SPEEDtv.com's Robin Miller broke the news last week and sheds some light into the situation.
It's truly a sign of the times when open-wheel stars such as Justin Wilson, Paul Tracy and Ryan Hunter-Reay are left without rides, but a driver a substantial amount of funding can walk in and secure a drive. Duno lacks experience in IndyCars, and many argue she sometimes poses to be a danger on track, especially on high-speed ovals.
Of course this isn't the first time where a driver's money has put he or she in a top ride, but perhaps teams are so cash-scrapped, they'll do anything to survive. It will be interesting to see how this impacts IndyCar racing, and the whole sport in general.
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