Caracas, Venezuela’s Milka Duno second attempt in a NASCAR Nationwide Series race had far more success than her debut at Kansas Speedway last month.
Duno, driving the No. 87 Cantv Toyota Camry in a joint effort between Rick Ware Racing and RAB Racing made strides, but an ill-handling car in qualifying dubbed a poor starting spot leaning into Saturday afternoon’s Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway.
However, the former Homestead Grand American Rolex Series winner steadily made improvements during the 200-lap race.
After starting 39th, Duno gained irreplaceable track time and climbed three positions by the halfway mark. By Lap 120, she gained an additional spot to 36th.
Over the final 86 circuits of the 34th race of the season, Duno was able to pick up two more spots, earning a career-best 34th place finish.
“I was trying to be so patient this time,” said Duno. “In Kansas, I was feeling the car so good in the first two laps and I was passing cars and I was overconfident. I still didn’t know the car. I was feeling so bad about that. I learned from that.
“At the beginning, the car was very loose. It was difficult. Each time we came into the pits, we were doing changes and the car was getting better and better and this is how you can see the last half of the race, I was more competitive and fighting.”
In all respect, Duno’s primary goal entering the race was to finish, no matter what position they claimed.
In their eyes, mission accomplished.
“Sometimes you start with the car good, sometimes it’s not so good and you have to make changes,” she added. “Part of the race is understanding that we were doing some many changes, but the car was getting better and better and I proved what I’m able to do when the car is good.”
The former ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards driver and Talladega pole sitter noted that learning was a crucial step in order to allow her NASCAR career to elevate forward.
“The goal for Homestead was to finish the race, be competitive and LEARN,” sounded Duno. “I’m still learning this car. This is only my second race. You have to learn some many things about these cars, it will only come with more practices and races.”
Robby Benton, car owner of RAB Racing sat atop Duno’s pit box Saturday and assisted in the race calls. The former racer himself was pleased with his driver’s progression.
“Our goal was to complete a Nationwide Series event and allow her the opportunity to get that accomplished,” Benton said. “She learned quite a bit and I think she gained some respect from everyone else. She kept herself out of trouble and make no mistakes.
“The Homestead-Miami event is not an easy one to endure and I was happy she was able to take the checkered flag respectfully. Operating at this level of competition is a tall order and I’m proud that Milka was able to experience it.”
Undoubtedly, Saturday night’s effort gained Duno momentum and confidence towards hopefully competing in next year’s NASCAR XFINITY Series opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Saturday, February 21,
While, RAB Racing remains mum on Duno’s 2015 schedule, the former Venezuelan Auto Racing Driver of the Year noted she’s hoping everything will piece together that will allow her to be at the racetrack on a more consistent and permanent basis.
“I want to do it,” Duno added. “You know how hard it is finding sponsors, but this is my goal (to run full time).”
Duno, a native of Miami earned $22,134 for her performance.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
