By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
With a race team that was not even a team two weeks ago, Kaz Grala and Fury Race Cars survived the Alsco 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway for a 10th place finish.
Grala, who had previously run or JGL Racing in the first 10 races of the season, came to Charlotte on Thursday without a backup car and with a chance of not making the race due to weather on Saturday morning. His first goal was to qualify.
“Make the race. That was our first little check mark there for the day. We were really worried when it was raining because we wouldn’t have made it in on owner points, but, luckily, we started 16th, which I was happy with, but I knew I missed turn three in qualifying. I think we could have been a couple spots better and I’ll take all the blame for that,” Grala said.
Once he was unloaded from his car, Grala was elated and surprised with the way the team performed.
“I don’t know how this is possible, but it was and it’s fantastic. It was a great debut for us. I can’t say enough about how hard everyone has worked. I don’t think anyone has slept in the last week-and-a-half and I hope they’re excited now and I hope this will make their hard work pay off. I’m looking forward to the next three races here. We’re gonna have a blast,” Grala said.
With the team not really being a team two weeks ago, Grala was at a loss for words.
“Honestly, I don’t even know what to say about it, but this car was great from when we unloaded and we only got it better. Our balance at the end of the race was perfect. I had Kyle Busch out my windshield and that’s always fun. There was a lot to be excited about in that race, and I know that I am, and I think I speak for everybody, that this was a wildly successful debut for us.”
Grala finished in the 10th position.