Gase home for spin at Downs

CEDAR RAPIDS - It all started at Hawkeye Downs Speedway for Joey Gase.

The go-karter-turned-NASCAR Nationwide driver dusted off the old No. 35 late model car last night, and the feeling of returning home after a long trip brought a wide-eyed smile to Gase's face.

'It feels really good to be back where it all started,” Gase said. 'I've been watching my dad race out here since I could walk, so it's cool to come back.”

With the NASCAR Nationwide Series in Newton for a race tonight, Gase had the opportunity to zip over to Hawkeye Downs. He said he's really missed racing on his hometown track.

The Iowa Donor Network Night sponsored last night's races, which added a bit of sentiment to the Gase racing crew. He said racing in front of friends, family and sponsors was special and a great addition to a homecoming weekend.

Gase's crew chief and uncle, Jim Gase, said he started helping coach Joey when he would whip around in the driveway as an 8-year-old. His duties increased as Joey developed into a Hawkeye Downs driver, and Jim said it has been a wild ride watching Joey grow up.

'(I've been crew chief) ever since he was in the driveway with his go-cart, going around in circles,” Jim said. 'He'd be burning the tires, and I'd just have to make sure they stayed on and replaced them.”

It had been about a year since Gase raced at Hawkeye Downs, and it didn't take long for people in the local racing community to start gathering around his pit stall.

Smiles and race talk filled the air as drivers approached the 21-year-old, asking how his car ran in Nationwide practice Friday at Newton or just asking about how things have been going in general.

'You get a little more nerves but try not to worry about that,” Joey said about returning home. 'I've gotten used to (the press and recognition). It gives me a good way to get the message out (about organ donation).”

Crew member Danny Cannon said he's been friends with Joey's father since Joey was a youngster. Cannon had the opportunity to jump on Gase's crew when he started racing late models at Hawkeye Downs and said it's been amazing to see what Gase has been able to accomplish.

'Surreal. When we get the opportunity to go down and watch him race, in that atmosphere with him ... it's exciting to say you've helped somebody get to where he's at.”

Gase finished first in the late model feature.

l Comments: stephen.koenigsfeld@thegazettecompany.com