Text: Reid Davis; Photos: Marie Garcia & Reid Davis

In 2008 I had the pleasure to introduce Nashville eSpanglish Magazine readers to a couple of extraordinary driver personalities from the world of the IRL IndyCar Racing Series (now known as the IZOD IndyCar Series). Although I have spoken with the two of them at different racetracks since the last IRL race at Nashville in July 2008, I had not had the privilege to sit down with Brazilian Helio Castroneves (eSpanglish; Spring 2008) and Venezuelan Milka Duno (eSpanglish; Fall 2008) until Labor Day weekend (2010) at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky.  

The past couple of years have not only brought continued success but also personal and professional challenges to these two individuals. Their way of handling adversity, as strong people committed to their principles, has made Milka and Helio champions in facing life’s problems. It has also served as a guide for them to enjoy their success as well as being inspiration to others.