DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 17: Kaz Grala, driver of the #50 Pit Viper Sunglasses Chevrolet, reacts after the NASCAR Cup Series Bluegreen Vacations Duel #1 at Daytona at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kaz Grala stands beside his race car after racing his way into the Daytona 500 in 2022. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images Photo)

Grala Attempting Daytona 500 With Front Row

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Front Row Motorsports will once again attempt a third entry in the Great American Race.

This year, Kaz Grala will be behind the No. 36 Ford Mustang Dark Horse as he attempts to qualify for the Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway. Ruedebusch Development and Construction will be the primary sponsor. 

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Kaz Grala’s No. 36 Ford Mustang paint scheme for Daytona.

FRM has had recent success with its third entry at the Daytona 500. In 2019, Matt Tifft raced the No. 36 into the event before David Ragan qualified the No. 36 in the race in both 2020 and 2021. In partnership with Rick Ware Racing, Ragan finished fourth in the FRM-prepared No. 36 Ford in the Daytona 500.

FRM did not attempt a third entry in 2022 and last year Zane Smith put the No. 36 Ford back in the event with a 13th-place finish.

On a streak of his own, Grala will be attempting his third Daytona 500 start. He has made the race in his two previous attempts on the famed superspeedway, finishing 28th in 2021 and 26th in 2022. He did not attempt last season.

“I have to thank Bob (Jenkins) and Carl (Ruedebusch) for this opportunity to return to the Daytona 500,” said Grala. “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.”