NASCAR Recognizes Keuka College Alumnus Jose Cervantes ’13 M’14 the Industry Ambassador Award

He received the award at the annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Ceremony.


Wednesday, May 29, 2019
1 min. read

Jose serves as the senior manager of group and corporate sales for Watkins Glen International (The Glen). He received the Industry Ambassador Award, which recognizes outstanding personal contributions and efforts in the incorporation of multicultural initiatives within NASCAR and the motorsports industry. 

“I feel extremely honored to be part of NASCAR’s initiative to become a more diverse sport,” said Jose, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in marketing and his master’s degree in management with an international business focus. “We’ve been working with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver, Daniel Suarez, for the past three years to introduce the Hispanic market in upstate New York to NASCAR and have had great success.”

Part of Jose’s success began during his senior year at Keuka College, when he conducted a Field Period® experience at The Glen. Jose served as a sales and marketing intern, supervised by Keuka College alumnus Mike Eckert ’06, who also conducted a Field Period® placement at The Glen prior to landing a full-time position.

Jose assisted in promoting the raceway to both fans and potential sponsors. Like Mike, his experiences would help him land a full-time position at The Glen—as the track’s ticket office coordinator—just a few months after graduation. 

Jose now oversees group sales, concentrating in deals to large corporations, motor coach groups, and unions, while also managing several corporate accounts. As part of his job, Jose is heavily involved in promoting the track and its events to diverse markets, particularly in Hispanic communities. 

“We are thrilled for Jose for receiving this incredible honor and his continued performance here at WGI,” said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “He continues to go above and beyond in building relationships in our Hispanic markets.”

Jose continues to spearhead public and community relations initiatives with Daniel Suarez to grow awareness and interest in the racecar driving throughout Hispanic communities in upstate New York. They’ve worked with the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of WNY Association, and established partnerships with the cities of Buffalo and Rochester in 2017. As part of these partnerships, proclamations for Daniel Suarez Day were declared by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren.