Kaz Grala will attempt to qualify a third Front Row Motorsports entry for NASCAR’s season-opening Daytona 500.
Grala will pilot the No. 36 Ford Mustang with sponsorship from Ruedebusch Development and Construction. Of his seven career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2020, two have been in the Daytona 500. On both occasions he had to qualify for the race either through speed or his Duel race.
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“I have to thank Bob [Jenkins] and Carl [Ruedebusch] for this opportunity to return to the Daytona 500,” Grala said. “Qualifying is so unique for the 500 and it is the toughest challenge, mentally, on a driver and a team as you prepare a car, qualify, and then race the 150. But I know the car we have will be fast, the Ford engine from Roush Yates Engines will be the best out there, and I am ready. I feel this is one of my best chances at the Daytona 500 with everyone involved.”
Front Row Motorsports has fielded a third entry in the Daytona 500 four times. Matt Tifft qualified the No. 36 car in 2019 and finished 36th. In the following two seasons, 2020 and 2021, David Ragan qualified the car, and finished fourth in the 2020 event. Last season, Zane Smith drove the car to a 13th place finish.
Grala will be teammates with Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland.