Kaz Grala finishes a fantastic races at NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 in the Top-10

By:
On:
In: Xfinity Series News

Kaz Grala comes home with a strong 7th place finish at the NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium.

 

The 16 year-old had big shoes to fill, as team principal and 2013 race winner, Ben Kennedy, was watching. Grala was sure, however, that Bowman Gray Stadium would be a great track for him to capitalize on everything he has worked for.

 

“It’s really cool to be on this side of things,” says Ben Kennedy. “At the same time, it drives me crazy, because I would really love to be in the car. Kaz is learning more and more, so I have full confidence in him.”

 

During practice the Ben Kennedy Racing team was fast and confident with how the No. 3 Kiklos/ Bib’s Downtown Camry was handling. Throughout the day, track conditions changed, and Grala qualified 13th. Although this qualifying time did not reflect how fast the car has been during practice, the young driver was ecstatic, as he would be lined up on the inside for the start of the race.

 

Grala started the race off strong, and gained momentum and rhythm, as he began passing cars with ease. As the first few cautions came out, the 16 year-old smoothly avoided the wrecks.

 

With about 78 laps left in the race, Grala got tangled up and spun as a result of contact in the left rear from another competitor, but he was able to rally back for a solid top-10.

 

Crew chief, Mike Fritts, is no stranger to the treacherous turns of Bowman Gray Stadium. “That’s how racing is here,” Fritts, explained. “Everything happens so fast, so it’s hard to judge what happens. It’s unfortunate that Kaz got spun, but to come all the way back up to where he finished from the back is great, and for that, I’m really proud of him.”

 

Despite Bowman Gray Stadium being known as a physical track, the race went on with very few caution laps. This factored well, as the Ben Kennedy Racing No. 3 Camry was best on long runs.

 

“I was trying to be patient and get under cars clean,” Grala said. ” I knew I had to be more aggressive the second time coming back up through the pack after the restart.”

 

At times, Grala had the fastest laps, and continued through the pack to end the famous annual race in 7th
place. The Boston native was all smiles as he pulled into the pits after wheeling a hard-fought race with a solid finish.

 

When asked about how he feels going into the upcoming race at Langley Speedway after this physically demanding race, Kaz could not be more excited.

 

“Last year I got my first top-5 finish at Langley,” said Grala. “There will be some tough, aggressive racing, but I have all the confidence in the world that we will have a good run there.”

 

Kaz Grala and the Ben Kennedy Racing team will return to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East on June 20, at Langley Speedway, where they have their sights set on a victory.

Ben Kennedy Racing PR

Speedway Digest Staff
Follow Me
Latest posts by Speedway Digest Staff (see all)
Post Views: 47