Fernanda Montiel: Duality of Identity
Fernanda Montiel: Tough Doesn't Quit Ambassador
Fernanda Montiel wasn’t born into racing royalty, it’s a passion and skill she’s developed over time. It takes real grit and determination to turn nothing into something. We’ll follow her and her family as she continues to reinvent what it means to be a female racer, build her legacy, and show riders that you don’t have to come from entrenched racing heritage to turn yourself into a household name.
Video Highlights
Topic(s): |
Tough Doesn't Quit, RZR Racing, Hispanic female rider’s journey |
Person(s) featured: |
Fernanda Montiel |
Location(s): |
Mexico |
Terrain: |
Off-Road Racing |
Product(s) featured: |
RZR |
“People don’t even believe I’m a racer when they see me,
because I’m a woman, they have difficulty grasping the idea of
racing off-road and my femininity going hand in hand.”
-Fernanda Montiel
Fernanda Montiel has lived many lives in her 25 years. She’s a daughter, friend, role model, and champion. The first Hispanic woman ever to win a Baja Championship, Fernanda’s burgeoning, yet prolific career has had its challenges, both on track and off it. Making a name for herself in a male-dominated sport, building a legacy from the ground up, and navigating life as a young adult.
The Early Years
Fernanda has been entrenched in racing her entire life. At age 3, she found herself in the family garage apprenticing her father as he rebuilt his off-road machines. Her father, a former rider and now her current mechanic, instilled a passion and excitement for the sport without even knowing it.
“My dad is a race car driver, and my brother is, too. So, growing up and seeing everything, what the movement was like in the races and how they prepared, was something that really interested me. It also made me feel really safe having my dad by my side and guiding me.”
In the beginning, Fernanda’s father helped support her racing career financially. They would knock on doors of local businesses for sponsorships, send out countless emails, and scrape together whatever they could to keep Fernanda’s dream in motion. As she progressed in her abilities and on the track, the sponsorships started to come easier. She soon teamed up with her brother as a copilot. From there it was off to the races, and she hasn’t looked back since; dedicating every ounce of her free time to developing the grit and tenacity it takes to become a champion rider, forever fueling her always present competitive nature.
“My friends who have been to my races have said that I completely change, that I’m a whole other person. Because these are two different lives, in races I have a totally different focus than in my personal life.”
Tackling Stereotypes. Taking The Podium.
Fernanda attributes her competitive spirit to much of her success. Never settling for “good enough” and relentlessly chasing greatness around every turn. Though throughout her career she’s felt as if she and her Polaris Mexico Racing team counterparts have been critically underestimated.
“They underestimate us, the Polaris Racing Mexico drivers. As if we were just going to continue at a certain level. But in recent years we’ve proven the exact opposite. It’s been proven with championships.”
It wasn’t long into her career before Fernanda started turning heads and making a name for herself. Better race placements led to more invitationals, more buzz, and ultimately, more criticism from her competitors and the press.
“I’d hear comments trying to bring me down or make me feel like less just for being a woman. But at the end of the day, things are proven on the track, and the race is the race. So I’d try to ignore this, focus on the race, and leave everything on the track with my experience to back me up.”
Casting unwarranted comments aside, Fernanda let her racing do the talking. In 2024, she became the first Hispanic female to be deemed Record Champion at Baja. A title she’s adamant about keeping for 2025.
“Where I want to set the bar is, basically, representing a brand being the only female, Mexican rider. I feel that’s something that says a lot in the world of off-road and in all branches of competitive driving.”
Rolling With Being A Role Model
Through Fernanda’s journey, she’s become a cultural cornerstone for young female riders, inspiring the next generation of not only female, but Hispanic racers. It’s not a role she chose, but understanding its importance and necessity, it’s become a mantle she wears proudly.
“It’s a motivation to improve as a racer, so they (young female riders) don’t end up like me, that they can be even better.”
Racing Towards The Future
As she prepares to defend her Record Champion title, Fernanda completely embraces the Tough Doesn’t Quit mindset. To her, there’s always work to be done, skills to hone, and goals to chase. The competitor in her isn’t satisfied or impressed by shiny hardware. As she looks to her future, she continues to raise the bar for herself and her family racing team. And while this may be the first time you’re reading about this unshakeable talent, it for sure won’t be the last.
“I’d love to be the first female on the Polaris Factory Racing team. Something I was always taught and learned was that if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it right. That if I'm going to compete in something, I’m going to win. So that’s just what I have to do.” - Fernanda Montiel
