Joseph Robert Gase Bio
Joseph Robert Gase, born February 8, 1993, is an American professional stock car racing driver and team owner. He last competed part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the Nos. 35 and 53 Chevrolet Camaro SSs for Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen, and part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Garage 66 and the No. 44 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for NY Racing Team.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Robert Gase was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He began his racing career at Hawkeye Downs Speedway in 2001, competing in the track’s junior classes. Gase achieved early success by winning the track modified B championship at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in 2007, becoming the youngest driver to do so. In 2009, he became the youngest driver to win the late model championship at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. He graduated from Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids in 2011.
Gase’s mother, Mary Jo, passed away from a brain aneurysm when he was eighteen years old. In honor of her, Gase has been active in promoting organ donation, recognizing the impact of her donated organs which helped 66 others after her death.
Path to NASCAR
Gase started racing in American Speed Association events in 2008 and participated in selected ARCA Racing Series, USAR Pro Cup Series, and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races in 2010 and 2011. He made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Iowa Speedway in August 2011, driving for Go Green Racing. In 2012, he planned to compete full-time for Go Green Racing in the Nationwide Series, aiming for rookie of the year honors, but sponsorship challenges limited his schedule.
In 2013, Gase drove full-time for Jimmy Means Racing in the Nationwide Series, later running races for Go Green Racing as well due to sponsorship issues. His early NASCAR career involved multiple teams and series as he sought opportunities to advance to higher levels of competition.
Joseph Robert Gase Career
Early Career (2011–2013)
Gase’s first notable NASCAR series was the Nationwide Series, where he competed part-time in 2011 and aimed for a full season in 2012. Despite sponsorship challenges, he gained valuable experience driving for teams like Go Green Racing and Jimmy Means Racing. His best finish during this period was twentieth place, showing promise as he developed his skills in national stock car racing.
During these formative years, Gase built relationships with various teams and crew members, laying the foundation for his future in NASCAR’s national series.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2014–2019)
In 2014, Gase made his Sprint Cup Series debut with Go FAS Racing but continued to compete primarily in the Xfinity Series. He earned his best career finish of fifth place at the Winn-Dixie 300 at Talladega in 2015. In 2018, Gase drove the No. 35 Chevrolet Camaro full-time for Go Green Racing in the Xfinity Series, seeking to solidify his presence in the series while pursuing Cup Series opportunities.
In 2019, he joined MBM Motorsports to run the full Xfinity schedule in the No. 35 Toyota Supra. Throughout this period, Gase balanced part-time Cup Series rides with his Xfinity commitments, gaining experience across NASCAR’s top levels.
NASCAR Cup Series and Team Ownership Era (2014–Present)
Gase debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2014 with Go FAS Racing and competed part-time for several teams including BK Racing, Premium Motorsports, MBM Motorsports, and Rick Ware Racing. He began racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2020 with Rick Ware Racing but did not compete for Cup points. In 2021, he switched to Xfinity Series points midseason to participate in the Talladega Dash 4 Cash race.
Gase experienced a serious crash at the 2021 South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway but was released from the hospital shortly after. In 2024, he returned to the Cup Series for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, driving the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team and finishing twentieth, matching the team’s best finish.
Alongside his driving career, Gase owns Joey Gase Motorsports, fielding entries in the Xfinity Series. His dual role as driver and team owner highlights his commitment to the sport and his ambition to shape his racing future.
Driving Style and Strengths
Joseph Gase is known for his adaptability across various track types and his persistence in securing competitive rides. His experience with multiple teams has developed his race craft and strategic approach, particularly on superspeedways like Talladega, where he has recorded some of his best finishes.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key moments in Gase’s career include his fifth-place finish at Talladega in the 2015 Winn-Dixie 300 and his return to the Cup Series in 2024 with a top-twenty finish at the Coke Zero Sugar 400. His involvement in a high-impact crash in 2021 at Las Vegas also marks a significant event, from which he recovered quickly.
Joseph Robert Gase Career Wins
While Joseph Gase has not recorded a NASCAR national series win, he has achieved notable success in regional and local racing, including championships at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway and Hawkeye Downs Speedway during his early career.
Other Wins & Performances
Gase won the track modified B championship at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in 2007 and the late model championship at Hawkeye Downs Speedway in 2009, becoming the youngest driver to win both titles. These accomplishments laid the groundwork for his progression into NASCAR’s national series.
Joseph Robert Gase Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Joseph Gase’s mother, Mary Jo, played a significant role in his life and legacy. After her passing due to a brain aneurysm, her organ donations helped 66 individuals, inspiring Gase’s advocacy for organ donation within the racing community.
Personal Life
Joseph Gase is married to Caitlin Gase. The couple has two sons, Carson and Jace. Gase balances his family life with his racing career and team ownership responsibilities.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Joseph Gase is expected to continue competing part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series. His focus will likely remain on managing Joey Gase Motorsports while seeking competitive rides in national events. Gase’s experience and resilience position him to maintain his presence in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
