Kaz Grala focused on third Daytona 500, open to fill remaining races

With one NASCAR Cup Series race weekend already under his belt in 2024, Kaz Grala is ready for his busiest Cup schedule yet this season.

Grala, who will do 25 races with Rick Ware Racing, will also attempt to make the Daytona 500 in Front Row Motorsports’ No. 36 entry.

“It’s been a busy offseason for me, for sure,” Grala said to reporters in a media conference Wednesday (Feb. 7). “Of course, switching teams, switching series, switching manufacturers, there’s been a lot to get used to on the Ford side.”

Grala is guaranteed to start in 25 races. That is because of the charter he will drive the chartered No. 15 Rick Ware Racing entry.

Grala’s attempt for the Daytona 500 is not ensured as the No. 36 car is an open entry. But the 25-year-old is no stranger to the situation.

Twice before, Grala has qualified for the Daytona 500 in an open entry. He made the race in 2021 with Kaulig Racing and 2022 with TMT Racing.

“Every time I’ve done it I’ve said I really hope next time it’s in a charter. And every time I keep coming back for more in an open entry,” Grala said. “That definitely has got to be the most stressful week of the year in racing when you’re in that position. So, I know from experience that the race can be made.

“I feel confident that I know how to get there. I’ve done it before.”

Although he does not have a full-slated Cup Series schedule and is not actively seeking to fill in the remaining events, if Grala scored a win or was in a good points position early on, he may look to fill in the rest of the races.

“I’ll just be focused on racing week to week. But, if things come together, if things go well and something falls into my lap, I’ve got an opportunity to add this race or add that race, then I’ll certainly do it,” he said.