Kaz Grala

Kaz Grala represents the modern NASCAR driver who fought his way to the Cup Series through talent, perseverance, and an ability to maximize every opportunity he was given. The Boston, Massachusetts native won the 2017 ARCA Menards Series race at Daytona as a teenager, immediately announcing himself as a driver with both speed and intelligence beyond his years. His path to a full-time Cup ride has been the antithesis of a straight line, bouncing between part-time Cup starts, Xfinity competition, and substitute appearances that forced him to adapt to new cars and new teams on a weekly basis. Through it all, Grala has impressed with his ability to perform at a high level regardless of the circumstances, earning the respect of teams and fellow competitors. Grala's New England roots make him a rarity in a sport dominated by drivers from the Southeast and the Sun Belt, and his academic background (he attended MIT before fully committing to racing) adds another dimension to a personality that defies the traditional NASCAR driver mold. His career is still being written, but Kaz Grala has already proven that talent and determination can overcome the barriers of geography, background, and the unforgiving economics of modern motorsport. His journey from ARCA to Cup is a testament to the belief that if you are fast enough, the opportunities will eventually come.

Written by Richard R. Glover, NASCAR Reference