Latina IndyCar Racer in ‘Speed Racer’ movie.

Milka Duno, the first Latina to race in the Indianapolis 500, will travel to Berlin where filming is underway for the 2008 live-action movie “Speed Racer.” The driver of the #23 CITGO Honda Dallara IndyCar has been set to play the role of Gearbox in the film, which is based on the classic anime series of the 1960s.

“I am so excited about the opportunity to appear in such a large movie,” said Duno. “Luckily I am only taking part in some of the races this year, and when Warner Bros. invited me to take part, I asked my sponsor CITGO for their approval to change my race schedule, which they have kindly granted. I am also grateful to the IndyCar Series for allowing us to withdraw from the Kentucky event at the last minute.”

IndyCar Series VP of Marketing, Mike Ringham, said, “It is very exciting to have one of our drivers participate in such a high-profile movie. The timing of the movie’s release next year, in May 2008, will hopefully get even more people excited about racing just in time for the world’s biggest race, the Indianapolis 500, and we wish her well.”