It is hard enough for a rookie to win a race in any series period. Even harder to win four in a season, but to win four in a row is almost unheard of. MMI Racing Legend Driver Dallas Montes accomplished just that last Saturday night at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
"This is just unbelievable," said Dallas. "With all the bad luck we had at the beginning of the year to come back and win four in a row is just awesome. The car is so good every week and we have just been hitting the set up perfect. It is a little different each week, but it winds up perfect."
The night started off well for Montes as he bested the 29 car field in qualifying to earn his second pole position of the year. A five car invert put Montes inside of the third row for the start. By the third lap he was on the bumper of race leader Cale Kanke. After a lap 4 restart Kanke slid high coming off of turn two and Montes powered underneath and into the lead. With the exception of a couple cautions Montes held a solid lead for most of the race.
"I was worried after the caution that the 98 car was really fast so I wanted to get a good restart to get some space between us and I was able to get a good jump," commented Montes.
Point leader and fellow Bakersfield driver Ryan Reed then battled the 98 for second allowing Montes to increase his lead. Once out front the 16 year old Montes showed veteran poise by running consistent lap times through the remainder of the 35 lap event. with only two races remaining on the Irwindale schedule, Montes has virtually locked up the Rookie of the Year title and is battling for a top five overall points finish.
While the learning curve has been steep this year, it will increase again this Friday as Montes will jump in and test a Late Model at Irwindale. " Randy and Melissa Smith have been friends of my parents for years and with Tim and Kenny ( Smith) racing out there they had a third car and said we could practice it. I'm really excited, but kind of nervous," said Dallas.
Montes would also like to thank Kalgard, A-1 spring, American Fab, H&S Body, FinishLine Signs and Holliday Designs for all there help and support.