Testing grounds

Milka Duno, the Venezuelan sports car racer, is hoping to pass her IndyCar Series rookie test on Wednesday at Kansas Speedway so that she can race in round four of the IndyCar Series schedule. Already entered for the event, Duno must complete her formal rookie test under the watchful eyes of four-time Indy 500 winner, Al Unser, Sr.

Unser, now an Indy Racing League official, will administer the standard rookie test which calls for consistent laps at various predetermined speeds, as well as simulated yellow and green flag pit stops.

Widely believed to be one of the easiest high speed tracks to drive on the IndyCar Series schedule, Kansas should be perfect for Duno's first foray into top level open wheel racing.

She has previously tested at both Kansas Speedway and Kentucky Speedway, though unfortunately she has never run in traffic at either facility which will be the real difficulty in actually racing at Kansas.

Potentially hurting Duno's chances of completing the test today will be the weather. Overnight moisture has left the track wet, and temperatures in just the low 60's will make drying the 1.5 mile Kansas oval a time consuming process. Additional rain is being forecast for both this afternoon and part of Thursday.

Duno has already had several test days rained out; decreasing the total number of laps the team has been able to run.

The track is booked solid for stock car activity on Friday, with an ARCA race and NASCAR truck series practice and qualifying kicking off the race weekend. The IndyCar Series will practice and qualify on Saturday for Sunday's finale.

ORS / CAPSIS International