Joey Gase
(Iowa City, IA) -- One of the drivers competing in this weekend's NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Iowa Speedway drives a car that's a tribute to his mother as well as those who have been affected in some way by organ donation. Mary Jo Gase died in 2011. Joey Gase says his mother's organ, eye and tissue donation saved or improved the lives of 66 people. Mary Jo's image is on the race car. There's also an image of Brian McGregor of Cedar Rapids, who died last year. He was also an organ donor.
Gase has partnered with the Iowa Donor Network, inviting those who have a connection to the issue to place a painted hand-print on his race car. The car was parked near the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital this (Thursday) afternoon in Iowa City.
Gase competes at the Iowa Speedway Saturday, June 15th.
Gase is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He and his wife have 4 year-old-twin boys who may already be showing signs of following in the their dad's footsteps. "They love playing with cars and trailers and playing racing games. I haven't decided if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but they're definitely all about that now," said Gase.
Gase says his personal car is an SUV, because he needs the space for his family. Gase says he changes his own oil and rotates his tires from time to time.