IRL Places Duno On Probation

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (AHN) - Milka Duno may look like a million bucks and have multiple advanced education degrees, but The Indy Racing League thinks she needs to shape up her driving skills.

On Saturday the sanctioning body for the IZOD IndyCar Series placed Duno on probation for the rest of the year for consistently meeting minimal performance standards.

Duno has failed to finished above 20th in any of her series starts and she had a on-track issue yet again this week while preparing for the Edmonton Indy event.

The IRL-induced probation requires Duno immediately and substantially improve her driving during the remaining events on the 2010 schedule. Substantial improvement means she consistently meet the performance standards set by the league.

She drew the ire of fellow female IndyCar driver Danica Patrick this week and now will have to maintain certain standards on road and street courses. Her progress will be measured in terms of time (107 percent of lead car), and on ovals it is measured in terms of speed (10 mph of the lead car). In addition to time and speed, other requirements include car control/placement and interaction with other cars on track.

The IRL said If the improvements are not met, the league may impose other penalties at its discretion. Duno will have the opportunity to contest the penalty, pursuant to the IZOD IndyCar Series rule book.

Edward Lewis - AHN Sports Reporter