Gordon helping Gase showcase talent

NEWTON - Benny Gordon didn't know Joey Gase a year ago.

Now, he's helping introduced the 18-year-old Cedar Rapids driver's talents to others in auto racing circuits.

Gordon has helped open doors for Gase, including the opportunity for him to make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut Saturday in the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway. Gase qualified 34th after sitting 23rd after Friday's final practice.

The leader of Benny Gordon Racing recognizes Gase's potential.  

“He's a good kid and he loves racing and that's two important pieces right there,” Gordon said. “He concentrates on and thinks about racing and that's what he wants to do, which is really important to me. On top of that he has a talent to drive a race car. I see a lot of good traits in him and he's working really well. It makes you want to help a kid like that.”

Last year at this time, Gordon was on his way to Iowa Speedway with two race-ready cars for the USAR race scheduled for the track's Nationwide Series weekend. An unexpected phone call informed Gordon that Gase would be interested in running one of them.

Gordon learned some stats and gave the Gase a chance, forcing him to scramble in about a day to run in the race. Gase left an impression, passing Gordon for fifth at one point of the race before a rare break in the engine ended his evening.

“He was really running pretty good in that race and actually run around me some time through the race,” Gordon said. “It was a pretty good deal.”

The two have partnered for most of this season. Gase has run three races, earning two pole positions and track records, placing as high as second. Gordon highlighted the pole at Rockingham (N.C.) with a field of more than 30 cars. He was a catalyst in bringing Gase and Go Green Racing together for the Nationwide race. Gordon is Gase's spotter.

“He's opened a lot of doors up for us so far,” Gase said. “He's a great tool when he's spotting for you, letting you know what you need to do because he's been out there before and is great helping you with your driving style and where you need to be on the race track.”

Gordon has seen what Gase can do so when the qualifying ended both were expecting a better starting position. Gordon said he thought a top-20 start was possible, but the car didn't adjust well to a slicker track from Friday's practice.

“The days changed quite a bit with the heat and everything," Gordon said. "It changed the car. It was his first qualifying run in a Nationwide car. Just knowing what he's done in my cars my expectations were up quite a bit. I'm not disappointed at all. He's still done a very good job, practicing, making mock qualifying runs and then qualifying car.”

The start isn't as important as the complete experience and the performance in the main event.

“We were hoping for a little bit better, but that's all right,” Gase said. “It matters where you finish in the race. That's what counts.”

The partnership could be one that continues as long as Gase develops and the relationship is mutually beneficial.

“Yes, I absolutely enjoy working with him,” said Gordon, admitting that his intense attitude is opposite of Gase's level-headed approach. “I love helping him out. Whatever I can do to help and as long as he progresses until he gets into a position where I'm no longer needed and can help somebody else.”