%20.png)
Rooted in the heart of the Lowrider Capital of the World, we transform automotive artistry into academic opportunity.
Mission
Española Lowrider Phenomena’s mission is to preserve lowrider traditions and make available to the public by creating opportunities through outstanding public events. By hosting premier community car shows, we raise vital scholarship funds to ensure Española’s students have the fuel they need to succeed in higher education.
Vision
Española Lowrider Phenomena is a 501c3 non-profit organization operated for charitable, educational, community preservation purposes and is dedicated to promoting the tradition of the Northern New Mexican and Lowrider Culture.
Values
A lowrider is far more than just a car; it is a storied vessel of Chicano/Hispano heritage, where every meticulous chrome detail and hydraulic hop tells a tale of resilience. This culture permeates the local landscape, turning Sunday cruises into a vibrant, moving gallery that honors the craftsmanship of the past while inspiring the next generation.
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet Our Team
Our board is comprised of lifelong enthusiasts, restorers, and collectors who view the lowrider not just as a vehicle, but as a masterpiece of cultural expression. Based in Española—the "Lowrider Capital of the World"—we are driven by a dual devotion to our heritage and our community's future. We believe that the discipline, artistry, and history required to build a lowrider mirror the dedication needed for academic success. By merging culture with philanthropy, we strive to inspire the next generation to take pride in their roots while relentlessly pursuing their education.
President
Harry Montoya
A northern New Mexico native, Harry Montoya is a dedicated community leader, educator, and internationally recognized expert in substance abuse prevention. After earning a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and excelling as a collegiate athlete, Harry founded the nonprofit Hands Across Cultures to serve local youth. His extensive public service includes nearly a decade as a Santa Fe County Commissioner and two terms on the Pojoaque School Board, eventually serving as President of the New Mexico School Board Association. Beyond his administrative and diplomatic work with the US State Department, Harry remains deeply rooted in his community as an active volunteer and a devoted family man, celebrating 46 years of marriage with his wife, Doris, their two sons, and a growing generation of grandchildren.
Vice President
Anthony Alarid
Born and raised in the Española Valley, Anthony is deeply rooted in the unique culture of Northern New Mexico, having come of age during the iconic 1970s cruising scene when lowriders were a staple of daily life. This lived cultural experience is paired with a distinguished professional background, including a Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and a career defined by high-level leadership. From serving as a staff member for the Boeing Corporation’s Space Shuttle Program in Los Angeles to retiring as the Director of the State of New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, I bring a wealth of administrative expertise and a lifelong passion for our local traditions to help drive the organization’s mission and goals forward.
Secretary
Andres Valdez
A lifelong resident of Española, New Mexico, Andres is the visionary founder of Española Lowrider Phenomena. Since 2011, he has been a dedicated champion of lowrider culture, utilizing iconic car shows as a platform to uplift local youth and reinvest in the community. Through passionate advocacy and cultural preservation, he continues to bridge the gap between Española’s rich automotive heritage and its future generations.
Board Member
Mike Johnson
Roswell native Dr. Mike Johnson is a Ph.D. graduate of NMSU. As a collector and restorer of Corvettes, Shelbys, and Chevy 409s, Mike brings elite-level expertise to ELP. He serves as a 300-point Master Judge and an active judging chairman for the National Corvette Restorers Society - New Mexico Chapter.
Opperations Manager
Eric Lucero
An Española Valley native and champion of lowrider culture, Eric has been promoting local car shows since 2011. Dedicated to preserving the history of the Lowrider Capital, they create community events designed to inspire the youth of the valley to carry our unique traditions forward with pride and purpose
Join our mailing list for updates