Fernanda Montiel, is the first Hispanic Woman Rider to ever win a Baja Championship and a rising star in off-road racing. She is a first generation Polaris Racing México rider and she is rapidly becoming an icon in off-road racing.
Born in San Diego from Mexican parents native of Tecate, Baja California, México, Fernanda Montiel’s passion for racing started at a very young age in her father’s garage and has not stopped ever since. At only 25 years old, Fernanda is making history in a sport typically dominated by men – a major challenge that she has overcome – by proving on track that the race is the race and by winning championships.
Most importantly Fernanda Montiel has proven that strength doesn’t have to look a certain way and that femininity and toughness are perfect co-pilots. We were excited to see Fernanda spotlighted at the latest episode of the Tough Doesn’t Quitseries from Polaris Off-Road during the 2025 International Female Riders Day.
We had the opportunity to talk to Fernanda Montiel and we are delighted to be able to share this inspiring woman’s conversation about her story and racing.
Interview with Fernanda Montiel
Hello Fernanda, it is an honor to speak with you from Austin, Texas, and s and share a bit of your story. Can you tell me what was the first car you drove on your own?
The first car I truly learned to handle was a 2015 RZR XP 1000. It was completely stock, fresh from the dealership, and that’s how I jumped into my first races—just adding nets, belts, and an intercom. Even so, I was very competitive in the class and had a lot of fun.
I was about 15 years old. I was small, I could reach all the pedals, but I had to move the seat all the way forward, and to this day I still have to adjust them!
When you’re in the workshop with your dad, how does it feel to discover your passion for car racing?
When I’m there in the workshop, seeing all the vehicles, all the preparation, I really feel excited, like I do before every race or every time I get in the car.
There’s a process involved in the preparation, and seeing how each member of my team does their part so that I can give 100% on the track is exciting. It’s like adrenaline, and it makes me want to get in the car right away!
“We have to do everything we can to help Fernanda win,” everyone says. I feel like everyone is putting in the effort for my race, and that’s something I find very beautiful and exciting.
What do you think is the most important thing in racing?
I think communication is the most important thing in racing, because if we don’t communicate well or if someone doesn’t make themselves understood, nothing works anymore.
As a driver, I also have to communicate with my team, with my co-driver, not only during the race but before and after the race. It’s essential, yes, of course, and to be consistent.
«Because just as there are good races, there are also races that aren’t so good, of course, and that’s where you learn.»
First Mexican Racer to win Baja – A Polaris Girl
You are the first Hispanic woman to win a championship in Baja. What does this great achievement mean to you personally and to the girls who look up to you?
I hear that and I get excited because at one point I was a very young Fernanda admiring many racers and aspiring to be someone, a racer, who had a role model in the off-road world. It means a lot to me because I know that this effort I’ve put in has taken a lot of work and a lot of time.
Now I want to make a stronger impression on them and give them more messages to motivate them to never give up and fulfill their dreams. I confess that sometimes I felt like giving up, I didn’t want to continue. I thought that maybe I was dreaming too much, that it was too much, but I said to myself:
«There is no goal that is too difficult, only very disciplined and consistent work.”
POLARIS «Tough Doesn’t Quit»
How does it feel to be named a Mexican representative of the Polaris brand?
For me, it was always a dream to be part of Polaris because I started racing in a Polaris RZR. I am very proud because it is a great brand that I represent both in Mexico and in other countries. As a Mexican racer, I am proud of my country and proudly represent Polaris.
I am enormously grateful for all the support they have given me. Thank you. I am very happy and very proud to represent them, and I will never stop feeling proud to be a Polaris girl!
You mentioned that It was a major challenge to excel in a male-dominated field. When you are faced with comments that make you feel inferior for being a female racer, how do you deal with it, with strength or with strategy?
I think with both, honestly, with strength and strategy, both to prove to myself that I will never be discouraged by inappropriate comments about being a woman. The fact that I am a woman has no bearing. I always feel it’s about passion and talent and I feel that I demonstrate those two things. [They] don’t discourage me at all.
On the contrary, I think those negative comments from men trying to bring me down motivate me even more. They make me stronger and keep me going, because I know I can do it. It’s also about demonstrating not only with words, but with actions – simply your actions.
Who are the females who inspire you to keep going?
It has always been and continues to be Kristen Matlock. She inspired me a lot; she’s a great runner. She has always been my motivation because she has achieved so much. Now that we are both at Polaris, I would like to be able to compete with her.
Duality of Identity
What is Fernanda Montiel like before the race, and how does she transform during the races?
Before the races, Fernanda is actually a very talkative, outgoing person on a normal day, but when race day approaches, her personality changes completely. I admit that I am a very nervous person, but I face it.
So I start to psych myself up before my race, trying to study my routes on the track, and my personality starts to change, I get a little more serious because I have to be deeply focused.
Understanding my car, feeling my car, making sure everything goes well. So, it’s as if I disconnect. I’m not thinking about anything, I’m just on the track driving and giving it my all.
Do you have a ritual before the races, ando how do you relax before a race?
Before starting, sometimes what helps me calm my nerves a little is talking to my co-driver, reviewing the sections of the track, and studying the route.
And before the flag drops, I always cross myself and my helmet to feel protected because I am very religious.
Where do you see yourself in the future, five years from now?
In five years, I see myself as a total pro in my races, competing in international races, both in the United States and here in Baja California.
I see myself with a bigger team and more championships, of course with more podiums and a better track record in my races, and continuing to grow to a higher level. And obviously surrounded by all my family and friends.
Personal Favorites
What is your favorite Mexican food?
I think I can say that my favorite food is mole, mole poblano.
What is your favorite color?
Pink, and red.
Advice
What advice would you give to another young person who wants to start competing like you in a field as difficult as car racing?
Be consistent. Don’t give up. Work on your dreams. Be yourself on the track and don’t look to the sides. If you want to win, compete against yourself, because we always have to compete with ourselves.
We always have to improve ourselves, so no one is better than anyone else. And just because you have a bad race doesn’t mean you’re a bad driver. They’re just streaks. So learn from both the good and the bad.
