For many NASCAR fans, race day is all about the action on the track. Behind the scenes, however, independent teams face a very different race—one that involves balancing budgets, securing sponsorships, managing equipment, and making every available resource count.
Joey Gase understands those challenges better than most.
Since making his NASCAR debut in 2011, Gase has spent much of his career competing for smaller organizations, gaining valuable experience with teams such as Jimmy Means Racing, SS-GreenLight Racing, and MBM Motorsports. Those years helped shape his understanding of what it takes to keep an independent team operating in one of the most competitive environments in motorsports.
When NASCAR introduced the Next Gen Cup Series car in 2022, Gase saw an opportunity to pursue a different path. Rather than continuing to focus solely on driving, he began investing in building his own racing operation within NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
HAMPTON, GEORGIA – JULY 11: Joey Gase, driver of the #55 Ford, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 at EchoPark Speedway on July 11, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Learning From NASCAR’s Independent Teams
Throughout his career, Gase credits veteran team owners Jimmy Means, Bobby Dotter, and Carl Long for helping him understand the realities of operating a smaller race team.
Reflecting on the decision to establish his own organization, Gase explained:
“As a small team, no matter what small team, it’s hard to do everything perfectly from a budget standpoint and staff. We decided to come back to the O’Reilly Series and I had supporters who wanted us to [form] our own team, so we geared up and that’s what we did.”
His ownership journey began through Emerling-Gase Motorsports alongside Patrick Emerling, where the team acquired much of the former H2 Motorsports equipment to establish its foundation.
Following the 2024 season, Gase expanded the operation by partnering with entrepreneur Scott Osteen, owner of Floridian Motorsports. Today, the organization prepares two full-time entries while operating with a lean workforce of only nine full-time employees.
Flexibility Over Manufacturer Loyalty
Unlike organizations aligned with a single manufacturer, Joey Gase Motorsports fields equipment from multiple sources, utilizing chassis that originated from Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, and GMS Racing.
Without a formal manufacturer alliance, the team remains flexible, competing with Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota depending on each race weekend.
Gase explained the reasoning behind that approach:
“People are like, ‘Why don’t you just choose one manufacturer and get support,’ Unfortunately, you’re not going to get support from a manufacturer that amounts to anything unless you’re paying for an alliance from a top team. That is disappointing to say the least.”
Creating Opportunities for Drivers
One defining characteristic of Joey Gase Motorsports has been its willingness to provide opportunities for a wide range of drivers.
The organization has fielded numerous competitors throughout the 2026 season, giving both experienced racers and developing talent the opportunity to compete in NASCAR’s national ranks. While Gase continues driving in select events himself, he has also prioritized decisions that strengthen the business.
“We’re not somebody who is a Roger Penske – maybe some day – that has other businesses and can rely on that. We are truly a race team and a business, doing everything we can to survive and operate. If that means I don’t get to drive – I want to drive – but if that’s what we have to do, we have to do it.”
That mindset highlights the difficult balance many independent owners face between personal ambitions and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their organizations.
Wearing Every Hat
Gase’s responsibilities extend far beyond the driver’s seat.
Whether diagnosing handling issues after practice, working underneath the race car in the garage, helping mechanics prepare equipment, or even serving as crew chief when necessary, he fills whatever role the team requires.
That hands-on leadership has become a defining characteristic of the organization.
“We work our tails off each and every day. I’m really proud of the group that we have right now. We definitely need more people, but the guys that we do have work our tails off and believe in us and do whatever it takes to get the job done.
“I truly believe there’s nobody in the garage that works as hard as we do and do what we do with the little that we do have. Where we are now as a team from where I was 10 years ago when I started driving for Jimmy – 10 years ago, we would be a 15th-place team every week. No one realizes how much the O’Reilly Series has grown all around from the competition level. I tell people now, it’s the Cup Series with the old-style car. I truly feel that way and believe that.”
A Team Built on Commitment
Operating as an independent organization requires constant creativity.
From sharing transportation expenses to assembling race crews from different regions of the country, Joey Gase Motorsports continues finding ways to maximize every opportunity while remaining competitive.
Part-time driver Blake Lothian believes Gase’s experience behind the wheel provides valuable feedback for the team.
“I’ve always loved owner-drivers and Joey crew chiefed for me at Dover. Having someone that has been in the car and when I tell him what I’m feeling, he just did it last week or maybe that same day. It’s nice to balance information off somebody like that. It eases the learning curve when I go to my team and be like, ‘this is what I’m feeling in the car’ and he can tell me what he thinks or what changes need to be made.”
Looking Toward the Future
Independent race teams continue to face financial pressure in today’s sponsorship-driven environment. With multiple organizations leaving the series this season, sustainability has become one of the sport’s biggest challenges.
Despite those realities, Gase remains focused on long-term growth.
“You have to say no sometimes to things and keep on digging and believing. To be a team in the series for a long time and hopefully at some point be contending for wins and a championship.”
While championships remain the ultimate goal, Joey Gase Motorsports continues proving that determination, adaptability, and relentless effort remain essential ingredients for success in NASCAR. Every race weekend represents another opportunity to strengthen the organization and demonstrate what independent teams can accomplish through hard work and perseverance.
Source
Original Reporting
Dustin Albino. Inside Joey Gase’s fight to keep a small team competitive in O’Reilly. Jayski. Published August 5, 2026.
