Gase working to return to Nationwide Series: Joey Gase didn’t expect attending opening night at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. The 19-year-old race car driver anticipated being in Talladega, Ala., after signing a deal to run a full NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule with Go Green Racing in January. After racing the first five Nationwide Series races, sponsorship issues have kept Gase from running the last two contests and Saturday’s Aaron 312. In the cut throat business of racing, if you can find the cash then you can get a ride. A deal with a sponsor didn’t work out and Gase was without an opportunity after posting a season-best 23rd-place finish March 24 in the Royal Purple 300 at Auto Club Speedway where he completed 148 of 150 laps. ‘We still have a really good relationship with them’ Gase said of Go Green Racing. ‘We need sponsor help right now. A bunch of people do. It’s kind of sad how many guys were doing the whole season on Nationwide and then their sponsor fell through.â He admits it can be a little frustrating taking a step back after being in one of the nation’s top series. ‘You just have to deal with it’ said Gase, noting Nationwide driver Blake Koch is experiencing the same thing and Timmy Hill dropped from NASCAR Sprint Cup to Nationwide Series competition due to sponsorship. ‘You see how many guys it happens to and I know I still have a lot of time.â(The Gazette)(5-5-2012)
