Joey Gase: Taking Talents Beyond the Race Track

Joey Gase is a professional racing driver whose passion for racing started at the age of eight. Gase has competed at competitions that have ranged from NASCAR Cup Series to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His talents extend beyond the race track as he uses his platform to publicly advocate for causes that are important to him, causes such as organ donation.

Gase’s desire to advocate for organ donation stemmed at the age of 18, when Gase’s mother unfortunately passed away from an unexpected brain aneurysm in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At this age Gase was perplexed with the decision of whether or not he should donate his mother’s organs after she was pronounced brain dead. This decision is a tough one for an individual at any age, let alone an 18 year old high school senior. Gase knew his mother and knew that she would want to have saved as many lives as she could, and therefore decided to donate her organs. As a result, 66 individuals were saved from one single, admirable decision.

After having the opportunity to meet two of the donation recipients, Gase was able to understand the true impact of his decision. This interaction led Gase to the realization that, “people think only about the individual with the organs but not really about all the people that the organ would affect.” (Gase). Since then Gase has closely collaborated with organ donation organizations such as Organ Procurement Organization (OPO). OPO was the donor network that handled the donation process for Gase’s mother. 

Gase has a vision to work closely with these organizations to advocate for a cause that is very dear to his heart. Gase demonstrates his passion for the cause through his actions. He often speaks at high schools and hospitals, participates at events like walks and runs, and even wrapped his race cars with organ donation advocacy. Gase also held booths at racing events to get as many people as he could to understand the importance of organ donation.

Gase is a huge supporter and contributor to this important cause. As an individual who has seen the impact of organ donation up close, Gase is a significant ally to organ donation organizations. He emphasizes the importance for high school students to register as organ donors when they have the opportunity to do so! Lastly, make sure to show your support for Joey Gase and follow his instagram and twitter: @joeygaseracing.