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Kaz Grala has multiple reasons to be excited as he prepares for the PowerShares QQQ 300 at Daytona International Speedway. 

The most current reason is his goal to perform professionally in Saturday's xFinity Series 300 mile race earning the respect of veteran drivers in the field. Oh, and should he win the race his record will show he is 2-0 at the 2.5 mile superseedway which also happens to be where he has run in the Rolex 24 race.

“This is the track which has always been in my mind,” admitted Grala. “As a driver, you ride into the track and it simply fills you with anticipation even if the race is a week away. 

“I have been coming to Daytona since I was a child. My dad raced here and wanting to make a mark at Daytona is what put the desire to race in my mind.”

Grala showed in 2017 just what it takes tp claim the checked flag as the rest of the top contenders slammed fenders in the final laps. Grala held tight, pointed his truck toward the checkered flag thus becoming the youngest driver to win a NASCAR travling series race in the history of Daytona International Speedeway.

While Grala's heart is pumping for a win, his mind is concentrating on the effort needed to ensure he can be in position at the end of the race. Unlike drivers from even a decade ago, Grala has no laps in an xfinity Series car. He and the team get two hours of practice to sort out their freshly built Ford Mustang before qualifying and racing.

It is all okay, says Grala. “You can get out there and run in groups but it still not like the action in racing. In practice everyone is more careful. In the race they are going for the win.”

Going for the win is what makes Grala a starry image in the youth of NASCAR.