‘Each of those handprints represents somebody’: Why Joey Gase’s race car is covered in tributes to local loved ones

MADISON, Ill. – On Thursday, NASCAR driver Joey Gase’s car got a new paint job.

Gase’s vehicle is now covered in handprints and messages of love from families honoring their loved ones who made the altruistic decision of organ and tissue donation. Gase hopes the car’s new look will turn some heads.

“It's rare to see pictures on the car–especially handprints; real, painted handprints with messages under each of them,” Gase said. “So, when our fans and the media and even our competitors see that. They ask us why that's on there and we get to tell them why, which is doing our mission to raise awareness for organ donation.”

The car also features pictures of two young men, Isaac Lashley and Chevy Gall, both of whom were killed in separate auto accidents and became donors upon their passing.

“It's awesome to know that he's going to go on and change lives,” Sarah Gall, Chevy’s mother, said. “It's hard to know that we have to live without him.”

“To impact other people's lives and help them have a hopefully a longer, fuller life and be able to be with their loved ones and carry on,” Brian Lashey, Isaac’s father, said. “It makes me proud to know that our son wanted that and that we were able to honor his wishes.”

Gase’s car is sponsored by Mid-America Transplant, and the organization hopes those who see the alterations to the vehicle will recognize the bravery of local donors.

“Each of those handprints represents somebody from this region who had the courage, and their family had the courage, to say yes to organ tissue and eye donation,” Kevin Lee, President and CEO of Mid-America Transplant, said.

Both Gase and Mid-America Transplant advocate for the public to consider organ and tissue donation. Mid-America Transplant offers informational resources for those considering becoming a donor here.