Kaz Grala enters the 2015 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season after posting his series-best finish of second in the Drive Sober 150 at Dover International Speedway in the final race of 2014. The opening race at New Smyrna Speedway will mark Grala’s first pass with Ben Kennedy Racing.
The 16-year-old Boston native kicks off his K&N Pro Series sophomore season not only with a new team, but also a new number, manufacturer and primary sponsor. The No. 3 Toyota Camry will be sponsored by Kiklos Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
“Kiklos was with us in 2014 as an associate sponsor, but as their business has grown, in turn, so has their level of support for our racing program,” said Grala. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud to be representing Kiklos Olive Oil in this new and greater capacity.”
Grala and the Ben Kennedy Racing team will run their first laps of 2015 at New Smyrna Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 14, during an open test. “With NASCAR’s new limited testing policy, this will be my first chance to see how the car is going to feel,” said Grala. “But after seeing the effort my team has made in the shop over the winter break, I’m confident the car will be fast.”
Ben Kennedy Racing crew chief Mike Fritts has competed in Florida as both a crew chief as well as driver for many years. He and the team consider New Smyrna Speedway their home track. Fritts won the prestigious Governor’s Cup at New Smyrna in 2002 and again in 2005. “When you look at his driving record, Fritts has won just about all there is to win at New Smyrna Speedway,” said Grala. “And I’ll be trying to soak up as much of that knowledge and experience as I possibly can.”
When asked what he is most looking forward to about the 2015 season opener at New Smyrna Speedway, Grala replied, “I’m excited about returning to a track I now know. Last year I spent time learning new tracks, the cars and even series procedures – this year will be all about making the cars fast and racing to the front – and there’s no better place to start than our home track!”
Green flag for the Hart to Heart Breast Cancer Foundation 150 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on February 15, with an autograph session taking place prior to driver introductions at 6:30 p.m. For more information or directions to the track, visit newsmyrnaspeedway.org.
Ben Kennedy Racing PR
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