Kaz Grala replaces Kris Wright at Dover this weekend, stepping into the No. 5 car for Our Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Dover Motor Speedway after Wright’s sudden departure from the team. Grala has been preparing for his return using Legacy Motor Club’s simulator and enters the race feeling ready for the challenge.
Grala Steps in After Wright’s Sudden Departure
Kaz Grala made his new role official through a post on his social media, sharing with fans that he will drive the No. 5 Ferguson chevrolet/”>Chevrolet in the BetRivers 200. The announcement followed a report from Bob Pockrass that confirmed Kris Wright and Our Motorsports had decided to part ways after the previous weekend’s race at Sonoma.
Expressing gratitude for his new opportunity, Grala stated:
“Grateful that @OurMotorsports reached out and wanted to race together this weekend as they close this chapter as a team. We’re gonna give it all we’ve got to cap things off on a high note tomorrow!”
Building on his preparation and ties to Legacy Motor Club’s technology package, Grala added:
“I appreciate and for letting me take any opportunities that come my way. Was business as usual this week, and The CLUB’s Dover package felt a little extra sporty in sim,” he added.
Kaz Grala’s entry comes just days after Wright’s departure was made public. Wright confirmed that he had agreed with the team to end his stint in the No. 5 car immediately, following an inconsistent 2025 Xfinity Series campaign. Wright offered his reflections in a release:
“I appreciated the opportunity to work with Our Motorsports and to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season… While I’m stepping away from the No. 5 car, I’m excited for what lies ahead and thankful for all I’ve learned during my time in the Xfinity Series.”
Wright’s performance in 2025 has included only one top-10 finish, a ninth place at Martinsville, leaving him 29th in the standings after 19 races. He missed qualifying at Chicago and finished 29th at Sonoma—results that contributed to the split with Our Motorsports as the season progressed.
Grala’s Recent Xfinity Experience and Simulator Preparation
Prior to this call-up, Grala had already secured a return to the Xfinity Series for a series of road course events with Sam Hunt Racing. Announced in mid-June, he was scheduled to drive the No. 24 toyota/”>Toyota GR Supra at tracks such as Chicago, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte ROVAL for the team.
Grala’s experience at Sam Hunt Racing includes a full 2023 season, where he finished 17th in points with two top-five and nine top-10 finishes. His adaptability on road courses produced top-10s at Road America, Indy Road Course, and the Chicago Street Course, with a personal best of fifth at the Charlotte ROVAL. Grala voiced enthusiasm and optimism when his return was announced:
“I can’t wait to finally suit back up, especially with my friends at Sam Hunt Racing. We had a lot of success together in 2023, and with the growth they’ve had since then, I have confidence that we’ll be able to contend up front each time we hit the track.”
In 2025, Grala also serves in a developmental role with Legacy Motor Club, acting as a Simulation Testing and Reserve Driver to help enhance performance across their Cup Series program. This position affords him behind-the-scenes influence at a high level in NASCAR while maintaining his active racing schedule.
Since 2018, Grala has competed in 77 Xfinity Series races, accumulating seven top-five and 19 top-10 results. He broadened his resume further in 2024 with 24 NASCAR Cup Series appearances for Rick Ware Racing and Front Row Motorsports. His extensive national series experience provides added confidence as he joins Our Motorsports at Dover.
What Grala’s Entry Means for Our Motorsports and the Xfinity Field
Kaz Grala’s arrival behind the wheel of the No. 5 at Dover marks a pivotal moment for both him and Our Motorsports. With the support of Legacy Motor Club’s simulator technology and his recent success on road courses, Grala brings optimism to a team seeking a positive conclusion to their current phase. The BetRivers 200 at Dover offers a chance for the squad to regroup and end on a stronger note, as Grala pushes to extract peak performance in a tightly competitive field.
Looking ahead, Grala’s versatility and his links to organizations like Sam Hunt Racing and Legacy Motor Club suggest he will remain a relevant presence on the NASCAR scene, both as a racer and as a developmental asset. For Kris Wright, stepping aside from the Xfinity Series opens up new opportunities as he builds on the lessons gained during a difficult run. The coming race weekend at Dover will see these storylines converge as the Xfinity Series season continues its unpredictable course.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What nationality is Kaz Grala?
A. Kaz Edward Grala is a professional stock car racer from the United States, born on December 29, 1998. He participates occasionally in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He drives the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing and the No. 5 Chevrolet SS for Our Motorsports.
