DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — When Round 4 of the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series roars to life at Barber Motorsports Park, July 20, not only will it showcase the skill of some of the most talented two-wheeled pilots in the country, but it will also demonstrate the ability of each team’s crew chief. It has long been said that behind every successful man is a woman, and when it comes to the Mid-Illini Motorsports team, this is definitely a true statement, because behind this ST team is team owner and crew chief Deanna Stein. Running two and sometimes three Suzuki SV650s in the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series, Deanna Stein certainly has her hands full at every event. Involved in racing for the past 17 years, it is obvious that she really knows all the ins-and-outs of team racing and is very capable of pulling the right strings to keep everyone on track. “I actually got involved with motorcycle racing when I first met my husband Mitch 17 years ago,” she explains. “He did a lot of riding, then began drag racing and then started competing in road racing. I helped him work on his bikes and he pretty much taught me a lot about mechanics and how to run a team. It really works for us. It makes it possible for him to concentrate on racing and not have to worry about what is going on in the pits.” And, with two or three teams running under the Mid-Illini Motorsports banner, it can get pretty busy in the pits. But busy is nothing new to this mother of two. Working as a physical therapist, Deanna and her husband run an independent dealership and oversee all their children’s activities, including football, basketball, volleyball, band, singing and their racing endeavors in Supermoto. In addition, the Steins also promote The Land of Lincoln Supermoto race in Springfield, Ill. “It is a busy life,” smiles Deanna, “but the way we figure it, is that you only live once and you have to enjoy it while you can.” “Deanna has phenomenal organizational skills,” says Stein. “She is definitely the power behind the team. Not only is she the crew chief, but she does all the cooking for us and not just sandwiches, but really good meals, makes our reservations, takes care of everyone and keeps everything running smoothly.” “The SunTrust MOTO-ST Series is really great arena,” says Deanna. “It is definitely team racing at its best and everyone is important and everyone is involved. We have a terrific group of people and that is one of the keys to being able to do well. We ran one bike last year and ended the season in 6th. This year we are looking to move up the ladder and with four more races left, we feel we can do just that.” The SunTrust MOTO-ST Series is organized and sanctioned by Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP) of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the Grand American Road Racing Association (Grand-Am), based in Daytona Beach, Fla., provides the series with administrative and commercial support. Learn more about MOTO-ST at www.moto-st.com.