Leilani Munter: Woman, Racecar Driver... Environmentalist?

In the 1960's and 1970's, women weren't even allowed in the garage and pit areas of NASCAR tracks.

Now we see women like Danica Patrick, Ashley Force and Chrissy Wallace breaking ground for females everywhere in all areas of motorsports.

But an environmentalist? In NASCAR?

For Leilani Munter, that's exactly what she's trying to do; become a green driver in a not so green sport.

Leilani Munter began in 2001, when she was racing in the Allison Legacy Series.

She's gone from there to late models, to giving driving lessons at Andy Hillenburg's Fast Track High Performance Driving School, and eventually to making a name for herself in the Indy Light Series.

In 2009, Munter is looking to make her return to NASCAR in the ARCA/REMAX Series, recently testing for James Hylton. Along with racing in ARCA, she'll also be competing with her Indy Lights "Eco Dream Team".

So, what is this "Eco Dream Team" all about?

Munter describes herself as a "Carbon Free Girl", a "vegetarian hippie chick race car driver" aspiring to be carbon neutral.

The mission is simple; get the over 75 million NASCAR fans, and over 40 million IndyCar fans to recycle. Munter's organization is also working with forward thinking companies and sponsors to spread an eco-friendly message to racing fans across the country.

Also working for the cause, Munter has made several visits to Capital Hill in an effort to have more economic friendly legislation passed.

IndyCar has been using ethanol since 2007- Ethanol also sponsored the Rahal Letterman car of Ryan Hunter-Reay last season.

It was the first ever national campaign for the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Check out Leilani's PSA for the National Wildlife Foundation:

If you'd like to learn more about Leilani's quest to go green not just on the track but in the world, visit her website at www.leilanimunter.com and click on the "Eco Site."

Thanks to LeilaniMunter.com and the Environment Leader for the facts used in this story.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?