Konica Minolta Driver Leilani Munter
Leilani Munter not only has an exotic background (half Japanese, half German), she's got the looks and Hollywood movie experience to go along with it. An accomplished driver, scholar, and volunteer, she has also recenly become the newest member of the SS Racing Team. She will be running in a combination of races, including
ASA Late Model Series, USRA Super Late Model Series, and NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division races.
AG: When did you know you wanted to race professionally?
Leilani: I knew from the very first time I ever drove a race car. I climbed out of the race car and I knew that every waking moment of the rest of my life, my focus would be with one very simplistic goal— to be behind the wheel of a race car as much as possible. It was a very defining moment for me, because my entire life changed that day. There were no questions, no doubts… it was all I wanted to do, all I could think about. From that moment forward, I was searching for sponsors, driving every second I could, and learning everything I could about race cars.
AG: Wow, its obvious how much you love what you do. But, not only are you an accomplished racer, you have many hobbies, and are also well educated. What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
Leilani: Personally I am proud that I graduated from college (with a degree in biology) and the fact that I have seen a lot of different parts of the world. I have traveled to Saudi Arabia, Mexico, New Zealand, and all over Europe. Next on the list is Asia and Africa. I like learning about other cultures and seeing what life is like in other parts of the world.
AG: You are obviously busy with work and traveling, and your family is a top priority. How do you balance a crazy schedule with making time for yourself, friends and family?
Leilani: It is difficult and there is a constant struggle to find that balance. My career takes up a lot of my time, but I make an effort to keep in touch by picking up the phone, emailing, and buying plane tickets whenever I can.
AG: Your journey to being a successful race car driving has had its bumps in the road. You were part of a race team that had to force its team to retire from competition. What do you think motivated you to continue through such a difficult time?
Leilani: I was devastated but I had a good friend who wouldn’t let me quit. He said, “You knew this was going to be hard when you came out here. So one deal falls apart and you’re just going to quit? I thought you were tougher than that. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.” After that I made up my mind, I knew I had to find a way to make it happen.
AG: Speaking of bumps in the road, what challenges have you faced as a woman in a male dominated sport?
Leilani: Most of the challenges I face are the same as many of the male drivers— sponsorship, getting in competitive equipment, gaining acceptance and respect, the usual. The biggest obstacle as a woman is that there is a stereotype I feel I am always trying to overcome. I may have more of a barrier than the men do in that department.
AG: What do you like most about your job?
Leilani: Getting to drive really fast legally.
AG: You have also had a double life, working in Hollywood on movie sets, including
Traffic, Ocean's Eleven, and Almost Famous.
What was it like to work as a stunt double?
Leilani: It was really fun, I got to work with a lot of great people but in movie making there is a lot of waiting around, very long hours, and not much time for a personal life, you spend most of your life sitting around on movie sets.
AG: You've mentioned that one of the best parts of this line of work was meeting Christopher Walken, what was that like?
Leilani: He is just as cool in person as he is in his movies. That was one of the highlights of my days in Hollywood. I had one day working with Brad Pitt and George Clooney on Oceans Eleven and that was pretty cool too. Let’s just say I wasn’t complaining about sitting around on the set that day.
AG: You have done SO much, which job would you say you prefer most, working in movies, racing, instructing or being a correspondent?
Leilani: Without a question, racing. There is no comparison. The others are how I make a living, racing is my life, the reason I get out of bed in the morning.
AG: Somehow, you have also managed to work in extensive volunteerism for many charities, including
World Wildlife Federation, The Elephant Sanctuary, and Black Beauty Ranch, to name a few. What inspires you to make time for these organizations?
Leilani: I’m an animal lover—I grew up with horses, dogs, cats, birds, fish, you name it, we had it. Caring for animals teaches you to have respect for life. I was a volunteer for a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in California for three years. I would love to get back to doing that when I am done racing, I just don’t have enough time these days. I am also a scuba diver so protecting our oceans means a lot to me.
AG: Well, here's the part of the interview that everyone eagerly awaits-What advice would you give to other young women interested in a racing career?
Leilani: Don’t listen to the people that say you can’t do it, and trust me there will be plenty of those. Trust yourself, believe in what you do, and never give up!
AG: Seems like you have done it all, what in the world do you see yourself doing in ten years?
Leilani: If I am not racing, whatever I am doing it will be something I am just as passionate about. I would like to be traveling, scuba diving, writing, living and seeing as much as I can on this Earth before my time is up!
If you would like to learn more about Leilani, please visit her at
http://leilanimunter.com/
|
