In addition to the 25 races he put together with Rick Ware Racing to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series, Kaz Grala will also attempt qualify into the Daytona 500 with Front Row Motorsports.
This is the second year in a row that Front Row Motorsports has brought the No. 36 car, a third entry, to the Great American Race as an open car that must make the show on qualifying time or race in through a qualifying race.
It is not charter protected and will compete for one of four open spots in the race.
How the NASCAR charter system works
“I have to thank Bob (Jenkins) and Carl (Ruedebusch) for this opportunity to return to the Daytona 500,” said Grala in a release. “Qualifying is so unique for the 500 and it is the toughest challenge, mentally, on a driver and 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.”
The Daytona 500 field now stands at 41, meaning at current time, at least one team will be sent home but really, there will be at least two. The Rick Ware No. 15 has a charter and must attempt the race and hasn’t announced a driver yet.
The current open drivers are Grala, David Ragan in a Rosuh Fenway Keselowski No. 60, Anthony Alfredo in the Beard Racing No. 62, BJ McLeod in the Live Fast No. 78 and Jimmie Johnson in the Legacy Motor Club No. 84.
Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.