Mike Muntean - In Memory - California Speedway Rider

Mike Muntean June 7, ? - May 5, 2024 In Memory R. I. P.
Sad to report the death of Mike Muntean yesterday night May 5 around 6:30pm. Unexpected last week Mike collapsed and wasn't able to get proper oxygen to his brain. Called "Madman Muntean" #25 was a talented Speedway racer on the So Cal circuit between 1972 and 1981. Sometimes referred to as the junior Danny Becker because of his on over edge racing style Mike was a member of the Orange County Eagles and a true 40 yard line Division 1 rider. "We were both sponsored by Select Vans. He was super good guy and I can't believe he's gone. Via Con Dios Amigo" fellow competitor Ronnie Preston relayed. "His racing career was the highlight of his life. It fulfilled resolute adventures heart" daughter Rachel Muntean told me. A memorial will be held for him tomorrow (5/7) at 2pm. At Evans Funeral Chapel, 1105 32nd Street, Anacortes, Washington 98221. The family is requesting anyone attending wear a Hawaiian shirt as Mike was well know for his love of the "palaka aloha" and wore the floral print shirts constantly. Surrounded by family his passing was very peacefully. He is survived by his wife of 18 years Sheri Allison Muntean, son Sean Griffin and daughter's Hayley, Rachel, Stephanie Griffin, Ariel Gould, Kelsie Ferry, and Sarai Gould. Anyone wishing to leave condolences wishes may do so on the Mike Muntean Facebook page. Respectfully Howie Zechner Joey Donaldson So sad to hear, he helped me recently with speedway. He had me put his daughters company (Trinity Skates) on the bike covers. He will forever be one of my Select Vans/Select Auto Sales Team Mate! RIP Mike Muntean. Janie Short So sorry to hear this sending condolences to the family. Steve Columbo #25 another one gone Jerilee Donaldson I am so sad to hear this especially when you just get back in touch with someone who has brought so many smiles to our lives❤️Thank you Mike for you what did for Tyson and SadieLee 🥰for always staying in touch and always being that guy in my life to check in . You will be missed so so much . To your family I am so sorry for your loss❤️Mike was truly like no other . RIP Mad Man Bruce Penhall Mike was a great guy!! Ride in peace Mike. Joe Donaldson So Sorry God Love Mike Amen I Will Miss You Love Papa Joe Sr. From The Elk Farm In Wellington OHIO Michael Miller So sad to hear this Lori Broom Sexton RIP Mike❣️ Martin Ireland R.I.P Mike Dariusz Zakrzewski R.I.P., Mike. Sumner Mcknight Billy Meister That is terribly sad Billy. Thank you for the heads up. I remember Mike well, he was one of the good guys. Dave Bruce RIP. Jean Fink RIP. Condolences to his family. Dee Ann Bast Mike and I are very sorry to hear of Mikes sudden passing. Way too young and soon. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Mike. Jimmy Gentile Prayers Donna Hille Rest in peace Mike Muntean!! Condolences to his family & friends!!! Frank Bussell Mike was one of those really nice guys. Race in peace . Mike Muntean has been inducted into the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame September 22, 2022 Competed: 1972 - 1981 Mike "Madman" Muntean was a big crowd pleaser. Known for his on-the-edge riding style on and off the track, Mike rocketed to the 40-yard-line rider circle early in his career. From his home track in Costa Mesa, California, the Madman was invited to all the out-of-town exhibition races due to his great popularity with fans and sponsors. Mike was also picked by US Champion, Rick Woods, to be his team partner for the Orange County Eagles. Rider Number: 25 Hometown: Anacortes, Washington - USA Place of Birth: - USA Date of Birth: Occupation: Wife: Sheri Children: Daughters Rachel aand Hayley Relatives in Speedway: E-mail: Web Site or Facebook Page: Mike Muntean 39 Date Started Speedway: Reason to Race Speedway: Goals or Ambitions for Speedway: Photos by: Scott Daloisio and Facebook Professional Achievements: 1980 - Orange County Fair Derby Champion - Costa Mesa

Mike Muntean

June 7, ? - May 5, 2024

In Memory
R. I. P.

Sad to report the death of Mike Muntean yesterday night May 5 around 6:30pm. Unexpected last week Mike collapsed and wasn't able to get proper oxygen to his brain.

Called "Madman Muntean" #25 was a talented Speedway racer on the So Cal circuit between 1972 and 1981. Sometimes referred to as the junior Danny Becker because of his on over edge racing style Mike was a member of the Orange County Eagles and a true 40 yard line Division 1 rider.

"We were both sponsored by Select Vans. He was super good guy and I can't believe he's gone. Via Con Dios Amigo" fellow competitor Ronnie Preston relayed.

"His racing career was the highlight of his life. It fulfilled resolute adventures heart" daughter Rachel Muntean told me.
A memorial will be held for him tomorrow (5/7) at 2pm. At Evans Funeral Chapel, 1105 32nd Street, Anacortes, Washington 98221. The family is requesting anyone attending wear a Hawaiian shirt as Mike was well know for his love of the "palaka aloha" and wore the floral print shirts constantly.

Surrounded by family his passing was very peacefully. He is survived by his wife of 18 years Sheri Allison Muntean, son Sean Griffin and daughter's Hayley, Rachel, Stephanie Griffin, Ariel Gould, Kelsie Ferry, and Sarai Gould.

Anyone wishing to leave condolences wishes may do so on the Mike Muntean Facebook page.

Respectfully Howie Zechner

Joey Donaldson
So sad to hear, he helped me recently with speedway. He had me put his daughters company (Trinity Skates) on the bike covers. He will forever be one of my Select Vans/Select Auto Sales Team Mate! RIP Mike Muntean.

Janie Short
So sorry to hear this sending condolences to the family.

Steve Columbo
#25 another one gone

Jerilee Donaldson
I am so sad to hear this especially when you just get back in touch with someone who has brought so many smiles to our lives❤️Thank you Mike for you what did for Tyson and SadieLee 🥰for always staying in touch and always being that guy in my life to check in . You will be missed so so much . To your family I am so sorry for your loss❤️Mike was truly like no other . RIP Mad Man

Bruce Penhall
Mike was a great guy!! Ride in peace Mike.

Joe Donaldson
So Sorry God Love Mike Amen I Will Miss You Love Papa Joe Sr. From The Elk Farm In Wellington OHIO

Michael Miller
So sad to hear this

Lori Broom Sexton
RIP Mike❣️

Martin Ireland
R.I.P Mike

Dariusz Zakrzewski
R.I.P., Mike.

Sumner Mcknight
Billy Meister That is terribly sad Billy. Thank you for the heads up. I remember Mike well, he was one of the good guys.

Dave Bruce
RIP.

Jean Fink
RIP. Condolences to his family.

Dee Ann Bast
Mike and I are very sorry to hear of Mikes sudden passing. Way too young and soon. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Mike.

Jimmy Gentile
Prayers

Donna Hille
Rest in peace Mike Muntean!! Condolences to his family & friends!!!

Frank Bussell
Mike was one of those really nice guys.
Race in peace .

Mike Muntean has been inducted into the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame September 22, 2022
Competed: 1972 - 1981

Mike "Madman" Muntean was a big crowd pleaser. Known for his on-the-edge riding style on and off the track, Mike rocketed to the 40-yard-line rider circle early in his career. From his home track in Costa Mesa, California, the Madman was invited to all the out-of-town exhibition races due to his great popularity with fans and sponsors. Mike was also picked by US Champion, Rick Woods, to be his team partner for the Orange County Eagles.

Rider Number: 25
Hometown: Anacortes, Washington - USA
Place of Birth: - USA
Date of Birth:
Occupation:
Wife: Sheri
Children: Daughters Rachel aand Hayley
Relatives in Speedway:
E-mail:
Web Site or Facebook Page: Mike Muntean 39
Date Started Speedway:
Reason to Race Speedway:
Goals or Ambitions for Speedway:
Photos by: Scott Daloisio and Facebook

Professional Achievements:
1980 - Orange County Fair Derby Champion - Costa Mesa