The Vision Behind Montero Performance Racing

Shawn Montero – Founder & Team Owner, Montero Performance Racing

I originally started Montero Performance Racing (MPR) with a simple personal goal — to build something that could support my own path into competitive racing and eventually help me work toward earning a competition license. What began as a personal ambition quickly grew into something far bigger once I began studying how grassroots racing truly operates.

 

As I spent more time observing the sport and researching development programs, I began to notice a consistent pattern: there is an incredible amount of young driving talent in motorsports, yet much of that talent goes unsupported. Many drivers are limited by financial barriers, inconsistent training, or environments that expect immediate results without providing proper guidance or structure.

 

In too many cases, drivers are blamed for poor performance even when they were never given the coaching, preparation, or resources necessary to succeed. I realized that talent was often being lost — not because the drivers lacked ability, but because the system around them failed to support their development.

 

At the same time, I became realistic about my own journey in motorsports. I understand that racing requires time, resources, and opportunity, and that my personal path into the sport may take longer than others. Instead of allowing that reality to discourage me, it led me to make an important decision: if I cannot immediately pursue every opportunity for myself, I can dedicate my efforts to building something that helps other drivers go further than I ever could alone.

 

That decision ultimately became the foundation for Montero Performance Racing.

MPR is being built deliberately — with structure, preparation, and long-term development in mind. My commitment to this program is not about rushing into competition as quickly as possible. It is about building a team the right way, with systems that genuinely support drivers and give them the tools they need to succeed.

 

A major part of how I approach leadership comes from my own background in competitive sports. As a goalkeeper, I experienced firsthand how damaging poor coaching, unfair opportunity, and lack of teamwork can be for an athlete’s mindset. Being criticized without guidance, receiving unequal chances, or feeling isolated within a team environment can quickly destroy confidence — even when the talent is clearly there.

 

Those experiences shaped how I believe a team should operate.

At Montero Performance Racing, drivers are treated as valuable individuals, not disposable assets. Motorsport is mentally demanding, and a single toxic environment can erase years of motivation and passion. Because of that, MPR is built on principles of respect, encouragement, patience, and equal opportunity.

 

Drivers deserve proper instruction, fair access to development opportunities, and a team environment built around trust. When a team genuinely supports one another, motivation and belief often become just as powerful as raw speed.

 

MPR is committed to avoiding the blame culture and toxic coaching environments that exist in many racing programs. Staff and leadership will be held to clear standards centered around teaching, accountability, and professionalism. Drivers should feel challenged, supported, and motivated — not pressured or discouraged by mistakes.

 

Being part of this team should feel different. It should feel structured, positive, and focused on growth while still preparing drivers for the realities of competitive motorsports.

 

A major influence behind my mindset and leadership approach comes from my grandfather, William “Bill” Stearns, a businessman and entrepreneur from Mansfield, Ohio. He had the ability to start with very little and build something meaningful through determination and vision. He founded businesses such as Stearns & Lehman Inc. and RPM Motorsports, and he had a lifelong passion for both cars and the ocean.

 

Although I was not able to witness all of his accomplishments firsthand, his example has shaped the way I think about leadership, responsibility, and perseverance. His work ethic and ability to build something from the ground up left a lasting impression on me.

 

Montero Performance Racing is built with that same spirit — a belief that meaningful things are created through patience, commitment, and the willingness to build something that lasts.

 

This team is not only being built for racing itself, but for the future of grassroots motorsports and the community that supports it. My goal is for MPR to become a program that drivers are proud to represent and that people respect for how it develops talent and supports young competitors.

 

Montero Performance Racing exists to prove that when talent is properly supported, disciplined, and given the right environment, drivers can achieve far more than they ever could alone.

 

This is not a short-term project.

 

This is the foundation of something meant to last.