BROOKLYN, Mich. (WOOD) — A West Michigan native who now plays a critical role in NASCAR race weekend operations is back in his home state.
Josh Pena was raised in Jenison, where he graduated from high school in 2015. He then pursued a degree in sports management from Western Michigan University.
It was an internship with NASCAR in Daytona Beach that eventually helped pave a path for Pena to join NASCAR at the corporate level, where he now serves as a senior coordinator of track communications.
When on the road, his primary role includes providing on-site support to media on race weekends. In addition to Michigan International Speedway, his team services Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, and Watkins Glen International.
"It's been super busy helping affiliates and (media) outlets get all their credentials needed for the weekend, do any storylines and interviews with track presidents and other members here at the track this weekend," Pena said.
"We're kind of like a help desk for the weekend. We're going to be in the media center doing press conferences with drivers and we're also going to just be making sure that media have everything that they need to get all of their information put out," he added.
For Pena, Michigan is a race weekend he looks forward to flying up for.
"I love coming back home. I mean, growing up in the West Michigan area, I couldn't have asked for a better place to grow up," he said. "Coming to work this race weekend, I get to see all my family and friends and visit with a lot of people. So, it's the most special thing for me to come back here and visit my home state."
Pena and his team will be at the track throughout the race weekend which includes the Cup Series, Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series.