As the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East competitors prepare to embark on the penultimate event of the 2015 season, Boston native Kaz Grala has his sights set on improving upon his current position of fifth in the standings following a superb run in the series’ last outing at Virginia International Raceway.
On the Virginia road course, Grala displayed veteran maturity in the face of mid-race adversity, slipping from fourth position to outside the top-10, and then steadily working his way back to the front. On the final restart of the event, Grala was knocked off course by another competitor and quickly regained control of his No. 3 Kiklos Toyota Camry, charging back to claim the runner-up position.
While the finishing position was one short of what the 16-year-old envisioned on the final restart, it was an excellent boost of momentum for both the driver and the Daytona Beach-based Ben Kennedy Racing team. The team has not lacked confidence in their young New England chauffeur’s ability and results, but the impressive run solidifies their belief in the strength of both team and driver.
With the road courses in the rearview mirror for the remainder of the season, Grala and the Ben Kennedy Racing team are ready to switch gears and mount a charge as the series enters its final two events. The first challenge will be the D-shaped oval that is Richmond International Raceway.
Last season, Grala made his fifth career NASCAR K&N Pro Series East start at the .75-mile short track and the result was far from what he hoped. With nearly two full seasons of NASCAR K&N Pro Series experience under his belt, Grala hopes to have a much different race. One factor, which should prove beneficial, is the improved qualifying performance he’s found since joining Ben Kennedy Racing.
“Unfortunately, last year, Richmond did not go so well for me,” said Grala. “We were off all weekend, qualified in the back, and got damage early from a wreck, so I can’t take away much from last year to use for this year’s race. I will be starting from scratch when I arrive at Richmond this year, which is something I’ve done plenty of times in my years of racing.”
However, the lack of quality experience from his race last season at Richmond International Raceway is almost completely negated by the new variable facing the majority of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East competitors who will enter the UNOH 100.
“The new flange-fit bodies will make passing at Richmond much harder because we have less downforce,” said Grala. “Richmond, being fairly fast, yet mostly flat, is one of our more aero-sensitive tracks. This will put qualifying at a premium, as it is very tricky to pass with low downforce. So far this season, we’ve had a really good qualifying record, so that will certainly work to our favor this weekend in Richmond.”
One thing is for certain; week in and week out, Grala and the Ben Kennedy Racing team have shown speed and the ability to make adjustments to keep the No. 3 Kiklos Toyota Camry near the front of the pack. The team and driver will continue to build on the success of the season and improve upon Grala’s rookie year points result of seventh.
The UNOH 100 has a scheduled green flag time of 6:40 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 10. The race will be broadcast in a tape-delayed format on Wednesday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
Ben Kennedy Racing PR
Ben Kennedy Racing PR
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