MARTIN LUTHER KING AWARD HONOURS JOSÉ MONROY AT THE PORSCHE SPRINT CHALLENGE

Edison Dias, Director at Jethro International, Pays Tribute to José Monroy at the Porsche Sprint Challenge Ibérica

José Monroy Receives the Martin Luther King Award

José Monroy experienced a defining moment as he received the Martin Luther King Award, the highest humanitarian distinction granted by Civil Diplomat Jethro International.

The ceremony gathered guests, Civil Diplomats and representatives from several countries. The atmosphere highlighted values of courage, leadership and social impact.

The tribute recognised his brilliant career in motorsport and his contribution to the development of new talent. The distinction strengthened Monroy’s role as both a sporting and humanitarian reference.

José Monroy and His Impact on International Motorsport

José Monroy grew up surrounded by engines, speed and a competitive spirit. His father dedicated his life to motorsport as President of the Portuguese Federation of Automobilism and Karting and as Vice-President of the FIA.

This family inspired his journey. Monroy later joined the organisational teams of major grands prix. He worked at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the Chinese Grand Prix and several other international events.

He also drove the Safety Car in competitions such as Le Mans Series, reinforcing his technical and strategic expertise.

The legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans stands as the most demanding and dangerous endurance race in the world.

The competition unfolds over twenty-four uninterrupted hours that test the limits of a driver’s resilience and a machine’s absolute capacity to endure.

Porsche holds a long-standing love affair with this race, having secured consecutive victories over several decades and establishing its legacy in the most perilous challenge in global motorsport.

José Monroy is among the select drivers who have faced the intensity of Le Mans across multiple editions, demonstrating not only exceptional skill but also an enduring desire to surpass his own limits with every passing year.

His career as a driver began in 2001 and continued until 2020. Monroy secured national and Iberian titles, in addition to achieving victories that marked an era.

In 2014 he won the world’s longest race, lasting 32 hours, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

On This Special Occasion, Tiago Gonçalves Is Appointed International Expansion Director

In addition, racing driver and Civil Diplomat Thiago Gonçalves was appointed International Expansion Director of Global Civil Diplomacy.

His nomination reinforces the commitment to promoting humanitarian values through sport and beyond borders.

Tiago Gonçalves began his karting career at the age of 14 and continued until 18. He later returned to the sport in the United States, where he lived from the age of 38 to 42.

Since last year he has competed in the Porsche GT3 in Europe and has also taken part in the McLaren GT4.

Martin Luther King Award at the Porsche Sprint Challenge Ibérica

The Martin Luther King Award ceremony took place during the Porsche Sprint Challenge Ibérica at the Estoril Autodrome on 22 and 23 November 2025.

The championship round recorded the highest number of entries to date and served as the decisive stage of the season, reinforcing Estoril’s status as a premier venue for Iberian motorsport.

The competitive atmosphere, filled with teams, drivers and enthusiasts, heightened the symbolism of the tribute to José Monroy, whose career directly influences the evolution of the sport in Portugal and Spain.

The ceremony was presented by the Colonel José Geraldo, Director of Civil Diplomat Jethro in Portugal, who awarded the honour to José Monroy.

Projects and Training Legacy Created by José Monroy

Monroy’s work reaches far beyond the racetrack. In 2009 he helped establish the Racing School at the Algarve International Autodrome.

For more than ten years he trained drivers and instructors. The school raised the standard of sports driving and delivered technical expertise to hundreds of students.

He later founded Monroy Driving. The company offers courses in sports, defensive and evasive driving. Training programmes include both civilians and police forces, strengthening skills that protect lives.

In 2021 he founded P21 Motorsport. The initiative established the Porsche Trophy in Portugal and Spain. Since 2023 it has become an official partner of Porsche in organising this championship.

This work supports young drivers, strengthens motorsport and opens pathways for new generations.

Humanitarian Values and the Essence of the Martin Luther King Award

The Martin Luther King Award is the highest honour of Global Civil Diplomacy.

Its Hall of Honourees brings together initiatives guided by courage, humanitarian service and commitment to peace.

The Civil Diplomat Jethro International Org. created this distinction to recognise leaders who inspire society through concrete action.

José Monroy’s story reflects these values. His resilience, dedication and vision transform communities, athletes and institutions. Motorsport becomes a platform for change and a fertile ground for human development.

Edison Dias Highlights the Significance of the Tribute

Following the award ceremony, the Director of Institutional Relations at Jethro International, Edison Dias, emphasised the importance of the occasion.

He reinforced the meaning of Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy and the impact generated by leaders who dedicate themselves to the common good.

Jethro International trains Civil Diplomats in more than 160 countries. The organisation is recognised for accrediting and honouring Civil Diplomats across the world.

The work carried out by Director Edison Dias strengthens this mission throughout Europe.