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[/media-credit]At the beginning of 2012, it was announced that Joey Gase would be running the full 2012 Nationwide Series schedule for Go Green Racing. Gase took some time out of his schedule to answer some questions about his career so far.
How did you make it to this point in NASCAR?
“I made it to this point in my career by staying passionate about it, keep challenging myself and never stop pushing myself, training, never giving up, being friendly, keeping the teams needs that I drive for a priority, working hard to find sponsors, finding people who have faith in me, staying focused, and having my families support.”
Joey what was it like going to Daytona and the nerves racing there?
“Racing at Daytona is just crazy, especially your first couple times on the track. The first time I ever went into turn one it took my breath away! It was just a crazy feeling; it feels like it sucks you right into the corner, way too hard to explain….haha. The thing I was most nerves about was handling the draft. Before the race in February no one really knew what kind of drafting was going to take place, tandem or pack drafting. The only kind of drafting I was able to do in practice was tandem and I was the one being push, luckily for me I had the best in the business pushing me! Dale Jr.! In the race we had tandem and pack drafting. I had a lot of fun in the big packs going three wide and being able to come from the back to the front in almost a lap. The hardest thing was trying to stay patent, if you made big moves and no one went with you, you went straight to the back of the pack and if you weren’t lucky you would even lose the draft.”
Do you feel cup drivers racing in nationwide steal your guy’s spotlight? Or do they add a welcomed challenge?
“I would say they definitely do to a point, I also think they make it harder for us regulars to get a ride with a top team because a lot of the top teams are already taken by cup regulars. I think cup driver should be allowed to do Nationwide races but only a limited number. Like five to ten races a year I think would be a good number.”
What is your reaction to AJ drug test?
“I was very surprised by it, I feel sorry for the guy if he really didn’t take any banded substance, but if he really did take something and knew he was taking it; it’s pretty hard to feel sorry for the guy.”
What is your future looking like?
“I would say my future is looking pretty bright. I’m still young and I’ve been getting a lot of great seat time this year in the Nationwide Series thanks to Go Green Racing and Jimmy Means Racing. I got to keep on the track and keep turning laps and when I can get a great finish.”
What do you have up your sleeve for 2013?
“I don’t have any for sure plans yet for next year, but my goal is to have a full time ride and finish in the top 15 in points in Nationwide.”
What are your thoughts on Indy going to the Brickyard?
“I will not be racing there this year but hopefully next year. Indy is a really special place. I went to the Brickyard almost every year when I was younger. ORP was also a cool track and I wish that was still on the NNS schedule.”
How did you get started and what did you start racing first?
“I’ve been around racing all my life. My dad raced for a long time before I ever did. When I was eight years old I started racing go karts, when I turned 14 I raced an open wheel modified for a year. The next year I moved up to Late Models and have been moving up ever since but I still race Late Models from time to time. In fact I just got a win in my Late Model last Friday a Hawkeye Downs Speedway.”
What was your greatest accomplishment?
“I don’t really know what my biggest accomplishment would be right now, but the top ones would have to be getting fifth in points at New Smyrna Speedway during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing (Speed Weeks) in the Crate Late Models (2009), being the youngest (16) ever to win the track championship at Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Late Models (2009), (2011) My first Nationwide Series start at Iowa Speedway and finishing 20th.”
Thanks you Joey for allowing me to interview you!
