Milka Duno “Throws In The Towel” Literally
Jul 22, 2008
This is an update to:
Video: Danica Patrick Vs. Milka Duno
Ron McQueeney/IMS
IRL IndyCar Series driver Milka Duno took the high ground Monday after a towel-throwing, profanity-laced confrontation between herself and Danica Patrick during practice for Sunday’s race in Lexington, Ohio. Duno, who says she tries to be a positive role model, wants to forget the incident.
The forgiving might be another issue. “I don’t regret it because I didn’t do anything bad,” says Duno, who finished 23rd. “I was in my pits and she came with a bad attitude and bad language. And it was my reaction.”
The minute-long spat between the only female drivers in the IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was sparked when Patrick, who ended 12th, struggled to pass Duno during practice Saturday. Patrick said she just wanted to know if Duno was aware of her passing attempts; Duno denied she blocked Patrick.
Caught on video by a Duno photographer, Patrick approached Duno in her pit after the session, insisting on discussing the incident. When Patrick didn’t immediately leave, Duno threw a towel in her face, sparking foul language from Patrick.
“It’s an incident that I want to forget already, because it was not necessary to happen,” Duno says.
“We are a role model for many people. We are an inspiration, and this is not the image that I want to give to somebody. The people don’t know me for having these problems.”
UPDATE: July 23, 2008 10:31 am
Danica Patrick won’t have Milka Duno to kick around this weekend.
Duno, who shares a ride with Townsend Bell in the No. 23 car for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, won’t be competing Saturday at the inaugural Rexall Edmonton Indy. Bell will compete alongside teammate Buddy Rice.
Patrick, known for her fiery temper and on-track confrontations with drivers, generated more headlines and web-video hits this week for challenging Duno in Duno’s pit during practice prior to Sunday’s race at Mid-Ohio.
In an impromptu video shot by a Duno friend, Patrick is seen striding over to the 36-year-old Venezuelan and berating her for driving too slowly and blocking her. Duno would have none of it and the two are seen trading off-colour hot-tempered insults as Duno twice whips a towel at the 26-year-old American.
Duno has since said the story is over and wants to focus on being a positive role model.
Patrick has suggested the incident was blown out of proportion because of her popularity. She has one win in the IndyCar series but has become its marketing darling thanks to racy commercials and cheesecake swimsuit photo shoots.
The incident has race-watchers wondering what happens when Patrick meets up this weekend with Toronto driver Paul Tracy, who is driving in a one-race deal in Edmonton and is known for a quicksilver temper and aggressive driving style.
