Dallas Montes Returns to Racing with Central Coast Racing at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. September 17, 2026 - After 12 years away from professional racing, Dallas Montes is set to return to the driver’s seat on September 19, 2026, competing with Central Coast Racing with their No. 13 Limited Late Model in the NASCAR Weekly Series at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California.
For Montes, the return to the track means so much more than racing.
After stepping away from racing 12 years ago, Montes recently began having the longing to be close to his racing roots again. While the initial desire was originally not about racing, he found himself missing the atmosphere, family, and friends that only racing can bring together.
That feeling led Montes to talk with Central Coast Racing's Michael Munoz about getting back behind the wheel one more time.
“As I started talking with Michael about getting back in a car, I was like shoot, this really could be a cool opportunity to get everyone I love to enjoy this night as a whole,” Dallas said.
The opportunity is significant because Munoz and Gil at Central Coast Racing were part of the last team Montes raced with before stepping away from professional competition. “This team treated me like family my last year in competition, we had a great time and some fast cars. They are forever family to me and I am so happy to be able to do this race with them.”
“The goal of this isn't to come back and start up a racing career all over again,” Montes said. “It’s to get back to doing what I love and have missed so much over these past years. I'm not sure how many more chances I will get, so I am going to make the most of this and go out and try to win for everyone I love."
A Race Made Possible by Long Time Friends And Sponsors
His return to racing would have not happened if it wasn't for his friends, family, and longtime sponsors help along the way.
Lupton Excavation will be featured on the hood of Montes' car. The sponsorship has a special connection, with Montes as both him and former driver Dylan Lupton raced against each other before becoming good friends while living in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“The Luptons always treated me like their own family, and I am so thankful for them,” Montes said. “It is really freaking cool to have Lupton Excavation on the hood for this race.”
Another Sponsor, Dewar Farms, one of Montes' closest family friends and longtime supporters, will also be supporting his return to racing at Kern.
“I’m very excited for them to be there, its great how racing brings everyone I know together,” Montes said.
A new face in the racing world joins Montes, which is INSURICA, where Montes works as a Commercial Lines Producer.
“These guys not only gave me the great opportunity to be successful as a Commercial Lines Producer with the best resources in commercial insurance, but they are also supportive of my passion and like the competitiveness that it brings out of me. I'm so blessed to have the INSURICAN’s on my side."
There were also some first time sponsors that came together to support Montes in his return to the track and he is very thankful to California Resources Corporation, Par Valley Construction, Elk Grove Farming, Red Stone Contracting, Lovera Financial, Future Leaders of Kern and Jimmy John’s of Bakersfield.
It's More Than Just a Race
For Montes, the importance of Saturday night's race goes farther beyond what happens on the track.
It's another shot to be back where he belongs and grew up, and more importantly to share these moments with those who have always supported him through life and his racing career.
"I'm just so fortunate for my family and good friends for always sticking by me. My wife Katie and my daughter Millie are both going to be there cheering me on. In racing there are so many sacrifices that gotta be made and to see them at this track and able to be there with me is so special for me."
Central Coast Racing is proud to welcome Dallas Montes back on track and looks forward to sharing this night with Montes, his family, friends and sponsors on September 19 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.
About Central Coast Racing
Central Coast Racing is a championship-winning racing team competing in the ARCA Menard's Series West and Limited Late Model divisions. Based in Visalia, California, CCR is focused on helping drivers grow their skills and bringing future champions to the sport.
