Gase 23rd after final practice runs

NEWTON - Cedar Rapids race car driver Joey Gase is making his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut this weekend at the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway. The race is Saturday, starting at 6:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.

After two practice sessions Friday, Gase posted the 23rd fastest time, driving for Go Green Racing in a car owned by Jack Roush and sponsored by Agrigold Seed. Gase's recorded lap time was 24.360 seconds, which translates to 129.310 miles per hour.

Gase said he was "happy" with the way practice laps went, and received tips from spotter Benny Gordon, who helped set up his opportunity with Go Green Racing.

Qualifying is Saturday at 3:35 p.m. Gase is assured a spot in the Nationwide field due to a provisional spot earned by Go Green Racing.