IRL puts struggling Duno on probation

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) -The IRL has placed struggling driver Milka Duno on probation for the rest of the year for failing to consistently meet minimal performance standards.

Series officials say Duno needs to show “immediate and substantial improvement to her driving” by the end of the season. Officials cited her inability to be competitive and her on-track decision making as reasons for the decision.

The 38-year-old Venezuelan driver has been pulled by track officials from two races this year, including last week in Toronto, for driving so slowly she was deemed a hazard. She's also received sharp criticism from other drivers frustrated by her tactics.

Duno is last among full-time drivers in points and has failed to crack the top 20 in any race.