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MÜNTER MAKES HISTORY AT ILLIANA: BECOMES THE FIRST WOMAN TO MAKE THE FIELD IN 45 YEAR HISTORY OF THE BETTENHAUSEN CLASSIC
Schererville, IN (September 16, 2006) Leilani Munter became the first woman ever to qualify and race in the Bettenhausen Classic
held last Saturday night at Illiana Speedway in Schererville, Ind. Munter piloted the No. 57 Konica Minolta Chevy from a 26th starting
position to a solid 15th place finish. The SS Racing team entered the event to add to Munter’s seat time and momentum at Illiana.
The car, however, was underpowered with a crate motor, which is used for the limited class the team and Munter compete in regularly.
Of 36 cars Munter was one of only two to qualify with the crate engine.
“I had a lot of friends from Konica Minolta at the race, so it was good that we made the show despite having much less horsepower,”
stated Munter. “We ran into some bad luck in the race and missed the setup a little. I wish that it had gone better, but I’m still
happy with what we accomplished.”
On the start of the race Munter complained of a very loose car. Butch Miller made some tire pressure adjustments, which seemed to
help. But shortly after getting the car right Munter lost radio communication with Miller. Both issues led to several green flag
stops down pit lane. All things considered the SS Racing team and Munter were pleased. And of course they set a new Illiana Speedway
record. In 45 years of the Bettenhausen Classic no woman driver has been in the starting field until Munter.
Two races remain on the 2006 season schedule. Music City Motorplex in Nashville, Tenn. on November 5th and Phoenix
International in Avon, Ariz. on November 9th.
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