LIFE IS SHORT. RACE HARD. LIVE GREEN.

LEILANI MUNTER is a self proclaimed vegetarian, hippie chick racer who lives by the mantra:

“Life is short. Race hard. Live green."

Born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota, to a Hawaiian mother and German father, Leilani combines the best of both heritages into her racing career and Eco Dream Team. The evolutionary path suits this “Carbon Free Girl” perfectly.

Leilani attended the University of California in San Diego and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her school years she worked as a model, and also started to race on the amateur SCCA race circuit. She was hooked. Her talents behind the wheel were obvious.

"My passionis racing. Biology would have been the secure, responsible choice but I went with my heart."

In 2007 Leilani became the fourth woman in history to race in the Indy Pro Series, the developmental league of IndyCar. She impressed the open wheel racing world when she qualified 5th for her debut. Sports Illustrated declared her “one of the top ten female drivers in the world”.

Blending her exotic, free-spirited instincts with the discipline and focus required of a professional race car driver, Leilani also fulfills her keen interest in science as “The Carbon Free Girl “and share’s her journey to be carbon neutral by purchasing an acre of rainforest for every race she runs to offset her carbon footprint. The mission of Leilani's Eco Dream Team is to send powerful messages to the number one spectator sport in America, calling to action 100 million race fans in the US to make a difference by spreading environmental awareness about sustainable living alternatives, clean energy, alternative fuel vehicles, and environmental legislation. Knowledge is power and Leilani wants to spread that power to the race fans. Additionally, Leilani hopes her efforts will encourage racing sanctioning bodies to increase their environmental initiatives with expanded recycling programs and the use of alternative fuels.

Track Chic talked with Leilani after her May 11th-13th competition in the Oslo, Norway Viking Rally Zero Emission Vehicles challenge, Stretching from Oslo to Stavenger, the road rally is a combination of hill climbs, slaloms and drag race competitions throughout Norway’s scenic southern and western coasts. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon and Henning Solberg participated in the first leg of the competition. For zero emission vehicles only, the Viking Rally is proof that environmentalism can be fun.

"I was just enjoying the moment and having a lot of fun! The Viking Rally was a very cymbolic event bringing together people from all over the world to promte clean energy vehicles and it was wonerful to have so many high profile people attend and bring attention to it!"

The hydrogen fuel cell of Leilani’s 65kW Horsepower, hydrogen fuelled Ford Focus for Team Hunt & Carbon Free Girl has harmless emissions of pure water and heat … so pure that Leilani could drink the water from the exhaust!

"I did drink the water from my exhaust and yes,
it was a very powerful reality!
Exhaust so clean you can drink it!"

Meet LEILANI and learn more on www.TRACKCHIC.com …
(images courtesy of Leilani Munter, www.LeilaniMunter.com,
Richard Russel, Lake Norman Magazine)

BELLINIS, FLAPJACKS AND FRANKFURTERS!

Memorial Day Weekend is without a doubt one of my favorite weekends. Starting with racing’s pinnacle event, the Grand Prix de Monaco, it’s a champagne start to a weekend of non-stop racing … and food!

You can’t enjoy Monaco’s Grand Prix without first enjoying a few luscious Peach Bellinis from the famed Hotel Du Cap, in nearby Cap D’Antibes. Known for its celebrity clientele, gourmet menus and luxurious surroundings, Hotel du Cap sits only 17 miles from the picturesque Principality. With its winding narrow streets, hairpin turns, and elevation shifts, the Circuit de Monaco is considered the ultimate test of a driver’s skills. For the fans, the event is a blur of speed, sea views and celebrity – an event unmatched by any other.

How often do you mingle over cocktails with Robin Williams, John Travolta, Cuba Gooding, Jr., HRH Prince Albert and others – my husband even sang opera in the hotel’s mensroom with Paul Sorvino! This is the fun of Monaco’s Grand Prix, and the power of Hotel du Cap's famous Peach Bellinis!

Luckily, the drivers are tucked away quietly as they prepare for the biggest race of the season. It will be interesting to see if the miracle workers are able to pull off another win for Brawn GP that the Honda Team never could. I love it when the underdogs are victorious – and relieved that the “diffuser gang’s” technical regs comply with The FIA’s applicable regulations.

Back in the states the INDY 500 cranks its engines soon after the F1 Victor’s anthem is celebrated on the podium in Monaco – and you know what that means, PANCAKES!

In addition to the Indy 500’s famous “Flapjacks at the Track” the event bills itself as the “Greatest Spectacle in Tailgating”. Zillions of enthusiastic fans pride themselves in creative food (and drink!) concoctions. More exotic offerings include Mango Jalapeno Slaw and Barbecued Catfish Sandwiches, while aromas of Andouille Stuffed Porkloins, Mocha Java Rubbed Grilled Sirloins, and Hickory Smoked Ribs tempt the appetites of hungry fans. Don’t worry, there are also plenty of hot dogs, hamburgers and funnel cakes for the traditionalists ...

…but if it’s Hot Dogs that really rev your engine, nobody does it better than NASCAR! The Coca Cola 600 oval shaped quarter-mile grill at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend definitely takes the checkered flag. Assembled on the racetrack’s frontstretch and pit road, the girl will be manned by celebrity chef and Food Network star, Tyler Florence, host of “Tyler’s Ultimate” and author of “Dinner at My Place” and “Stirring the Pot”. Joining Chef Florence will be some of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, including Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Petty and racing legend Bobby Allison.

Thousands of families will also celebrate speed and smorgasbords trackside at their favorite local dirt tracks, drag strips and Quarter Midget Tracks.

So “CHEERS!" to all the race fans and food fans!
This is our weekend for Track Chics to crank up the grills and cheer our favorite drivers to the finish line … no matter what track, country, circuit or driver … Memorial Day Race Weekend promises something for all the mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and faithful fans to celebrate our passion for Speed, Sisterhood and smokin' summertime grills!

Bon Appetit et Bon Courage!

(Images courtesy of Alpha-B-fr and Worth Canoy)

CHARLOTTE's SPEEDSTREET - THE UTLIMATE SPEEDWEEK EVENT

For more than 25 years, the 600 Festival Association has been commemorating the May races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with spectacular family-oriented events.

Food Lion promises another great lineup again this year and will once again transform the streets of Uptown Charlotte May 21st-23rd into a showcase of motor sports and entertainers. Three stages are dedicated to autograph sessions with your favorite drivers, including Richard Petty, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, dynamic exhibits and non-stop musical performances.

Speedstreet really knows how to throw a party, best of all it’s free! What a great way to gear up for a fun race weekend, check out this schedule:

MILLER LITE STAGE SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 21st
6:30 PM Miller Lite’s Great Taste Music Series Country Champion
8:00 PM Bridgette Tatum
9:30 PM Miller Lite Presents: Jason Aldean

Friday, May 22nd
5:45 PM Simplified
7:15 PM Miller Lite’s Great Taste Music Series Rock Champion: Otherwoods
9:15 PM Miller Lite Presents: Lifehouse

Saturday, May 23rd
12:00 PM Doug Davis Band
2:00 PM Miller Lite’s Great Taste Music Series 3rd Place Winner: S.O. Stereo
4:00 PM Britt Price
6:00 PM Miller Lite’s Great Taste Music Series Runer Up: Another Day Falls
8:00 PM Green RIver Ordinance
9:30 PM Miller Lite Presents: Gavin DeGraw

COCA COLA STAGE SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 21st
12:00 PM Opening Ceremonies: Speedway Children’s Charities Check Presentation
6:15 PM Skate Rink Jukebox
7:45 PM Sound Riot
9:15 PM Coca Cola Presents: Bell Biv Devoe

Friday, May 22nd
7:00 PM “Trackside Live” on SPEED
8:00 PM Coca Cola Racing Family
9:30 PM Chevrolet Presents: Rodney Atkins

Saturday, May 23rd
12:00 PM Bobby Messano and NBO
1:45 PM Contagious Blues Band
3:45 PM McKenzies Mill
5:45 PM Girls Guns and Glory
7:45 PM Jonathon Sigleton and the Grove
9:15 PM Coca Cola Presents: Clint Black

WANT MORE?
UltimateRaceDay is hosting its inaugural SmashUp on Saturday, May 22nd at Dale Earnhardt, Jr’s Whiskey River at the EpiCentre in Charlotte. If you haven’t yet visited the Whiskey River, it’s a cool blend or rock and country music, VIP tables, mechanical bullriding, live music, DJs and more. The tweet-up starts at the Mechanical Bull bar from 6-9 pm … and then … ?

Join the movement, get on the mailing list at http://www.ultimateraceday.com
Founded by Stephanie Agresta (@stephagresta) and Chris McCaffrey (@chrismccaffrey) Ultimate Race Day creates a unique and highly visible networking and personal branding events by facilitating real world interaction and providing everything attendees need to blog and tweet the experience. Get ready race fans, it’s party time!

NHRA Racers rev up TEAM TROOPS - free race tickets for our troops!

These women do it best! Lucas Oil NHRA racers Tina Stull, Kate and Diana Harker, and Pro Stock Motorcyle’s Peggy LLewellyn representing the best of drag racing talent and patritotic gratitude. Working with the NHRA and track owners, these four lady drag racers are combining resources to host the troops and their families at NHRA events for free.

Their new intitiative, 'Tickets for Troops', is a free ticket program aimed at showing appreciation and support to local military members. Gearing up for this weekend’s racing at Houston Raceway Park, the program is designed to provide a day at the races from the racers perspective, by being invited into the pits and getting to talk to racers one on one, many troops will for the first time discover a love for racing.

"This is not about signing autographs and a two-second hello; we really want troops to hang out with us". And see what it takes to go racing. says Stull.

From the outside much of the day looks boring but as racers know that is all part of the timing that happens at a race. Much of the time the troops are in the stands watching NHRA's finest sportsman battle it out for points. But during the long days there is always times to take a break. It's during these times these racers can be seen talking with their guests, and sharing a typical day racing.

Houston Raceway Park has provided 5,000 tickets to be distributed to US Military members for Saturday and Sunday of the event. Ticket for Troops mission is to give the US Military members and their families a day at the race track that is adrenaline backed, fun, enjoyable and informative.

Team Troops will host a hospitality tent in Tina Stull Racing pit with plenty of give-a-ways and a place to meet the drivers, their teams and to get up close and personal with the ladies race machines

US Military are welcome to request tickets through www.tinastullracing.com or www.harkertwins.com for the Houston Raceway Park Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event across May 15-17.

How cool is that! Stay tuned for more to come!

Look who is talking! NASCAR Pit Reporter, Jamie Little

We all know Jamie Little as an action sports and motorsports reporter for ESPN, ESPN2, SPEED TV, NBC, TNN and ABC since 1998. As the NASCAR Pit Reporter for ESPN, Jamie is normally the one holding the microphone and talking with all our favorite drivers, including Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte and others. Jamie has the job that most women ... and men ... dream of.

The first female reporter on Motoworld, she has covered all things motorports, including MotoX Supercross, Motocross, BMX, Freestyle Dirt, XGames, Indy Car and Rally Car.

Jamie definitely lives life in the fast lane and is as competitive behind the wheels as the drivers she interviews. She not only took home five victories competing downhill mountain bikes in the “Sport” class, she also took top honors in the 2008 Fast & the Famous Toyota Pro/Celebrity Challenge edging out NASCAR Craftsman Truck Champion, Mike Skinner, by a mere 0.324 seconds.

Jamie generously took time to share her story with Track Chic even as she was preparing to catch a plane to Los Angeles for her 2009 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Racing school for the next four days. Excited about defending her 2008 Championship, she remembers the 2008 race as one of the best days of her life.

Growing up as an only child, a tomboy daughter raised by a single Mom, Jamie caught her passion for speed riding motorcycles with her dad as a very little girl. It’s been a long road from those early beginnings on the back of a motorcycle to the success she enjoys today. What impresses us most is how determined she was to reach her dreams, how focused and committed to following her heart.

Jamie generously shares her personal story with Track Chic, admitting that she didn’t stop to smell the roses along the way while pursuing her passion. Finally, she received word from ESPN that they wanted her to be their NASCAR Pit Reporter. She was in the middle of an airport when she received the news and, like so many of us, she broke down in tears.... read more.

What women do ...

Never doubt that a group of caring, committed women working together can make a difference.

Take NHRA fan, Track Chic Daneen Mayhue. We first met Daneen trackside at the Atlanta Dragway where she shared her story with us. Mother of a 3 month premature daughter, Kaylin weighed only 1 pound 9.4 ounces at birth. Daneen has fueled a team to March for Babies and raise money and help all babies to be born healthy. Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn infant death and the biggest threat to babies' health today. The money raised helps fund research to determine why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it.

March for Babies takes place in more than 900 communities across the country. More than1 million people walk with their families or co-workers and March of Dimes ensures that 77 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to funding critical research.

Join Daneen Saturday morning, April 25th at Heritage Park in Canton, GA. Please join us if you can. If you can't join Daneen’s walk, please consider donating whatever your budget allows, $1, $5...any amount will be greatly appreciated. You can donate online: http://www.marchforbabies.org/mayhue

Or, visit http://www.marchforbabies.org and search for a walk scheduled in your area. Better yet, why not form your own team! Expect to run into some old friends and make new ones — and keep your eyes open for our celebrity walkers!
_______________________________________________________

Meet Track Chic Crew Chief, Barbara Bennett, a successful drag race competitor from Sarasota Florida. Barbara is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track. To honor her mother, Beverly Bennett, who died from Ovarian Cancer, Barbara organized the annual Mom's Warriors in Pink Car Show and Health Fair.

Last summer, Barbara also lost her sister, Claire Tiling, to Breast Cancer. The efforts from Mom’s Warriors Car Show and Health Fair benefit the Florida Suncoast Affiliate Susan G Komen for the Cure and FORCE, Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, which deals with Ovarian Cancer in its hereditary form, which is linked to Breast Cancer. The Health Fair also serves to inform the community about resources for cancer victims and their families in the community and to assist Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer victims in the local area.

The event promises to be a fun time with over 40 Trophies awarded, door prizes, and goody bags – and of course, great BBQ.
Join Mom’s Warriors:
April 18th, 2009
10am – 2pm
Sarasota Ford
707 Washington Blvd S
Sarasota, Florida 34236

Not from the area but still want to help?
Contact:
Barbara Bennett, Event Chairman
Moms Warriors in Pink Car Show and Health Fair
April 18, 2009
2611 Wells Ave
Sarasota, FL 34232
Tel: 941-371-6707
Fax: 941-378-4945

In Barbara’s words, “In Sisterhood, we all win”

This is who we are . . . we are Track Chic and we are Phenomenal!

Learn More: http://www.trackchic.com/charities/

Talent, Tramp Stamps and Missed Opportunities

What happened?
Years and years of women proving their credibility behind the wheels have just been undermined by a glossy photo shoot.

Danica Patrick, as talented as she is behind the wheel and as beautiful as may be in front of a camera, has sabotaged the struggles and sacrifices of the many young drivers competing today who look to Danica as a role model.

No one knows better than Danica how hard she struggled to get where she is today. Danica learned the intricacies of racing at a young age watching her father, TJ, race snowmbobiles, motocross and midget cars. She began go-karting in 1992 at Sugar River Raceway outside of Brodhead, Wisconsin and went on to win several national championships. Danica enrolled in the Lyn St. James Driver Development Program at the age of 14 and 15 and then moved to England at the age of 16 to advance her racing career. Focusing primarily on road racing, Patrick raced in several developmental open-wheel series while in Europe, including Formula Ford and Formula Vauxhall. Patrick earned a second-place finish in England's extremely competitive Formula Ford Festival, the highest-ever finish by either a woman or an American in the event.

On May 29, 2005, Patrick became only the fourth woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500, following Janet Guthrie, Lyn St. James and Sarah Fisher. Also that year, Patrick, who was then a 23-year-old rookie, became the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500.

And on April 20, 2008, Danica made history at Twin Ring Motegi in the Indy Japan 300 when she became the first woman to win an IndyCar race. And women stood with Danice to debunk the mostly male reporters’ relentlessly criticisms of that history-making win ... “she didn’t really win because of her racing skills, it was only smart fuel management that got her across the finish line first.”

I can understand Danica’s reasons for the photo shoot. It takes a lot of money to keep a seat in motorsports. But what I, and so many others, do not understand is why Danica agreed to the conspicuous exploitation. Does Danica want to be considered as a professional driver behind the wheel, or a “hottie” spread eagle across the hood of the car? The Sports Illustrated photo shoot could have been handled so much better. It’s not that the photo shoot should not have been done, it’s that it should have been done better.

Women are fighting back. Advertisers and marketing agencies are taking notice. It’s unfortunate that Danica’s handlers aren’t paying attention.

What do we tell today’s young female drivers like 13 year old Natalie Fenaroli who has accomplished so much at her young age, or Megan Reitenour competing today in NASCAR’s Driver Diversity Program, or the Harker Twins competing in NHRA’s Top Alcohol Dragster.

Tramp Stamps are more important than talent and tenacity? Drooling lap dogs will get you further than fastest lap speeds? T&A certainly grabs today’s headlines but publicity stunts such as the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition will ultimately diminish credibility both on and off the track.

Shirley Muldowney, Janet Guthrie, Lyn St. James, Ethel Flock, Sarah Fisher set the standard for women in racing and continue to be idolized for their talent and tenacity in a sport dominated by men. Danica, instead, risks being idolized for her taunt and tease and photo-shopped tramp stamps rather than for her hard earned success in motorsports. It’s an unfortunate choice, and a missed opportunity to be so much more.

See more: www.TRACKCHIC.com