Kaz Grala will drive full time in the Camping World Truck Series in 2017 for GMS Racing.
Grala, who turns 18 on Dec. 29, will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet after competing in nine Truck races in 2016. The native of Westborough, Massachusetts, scored three top 10s, with a best result of seventh at his home track of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Grala’s full-time ride comes after GMS Racing announced it would field Spencer Gallagher full-time in the Xfinity Series.
“I am beyond thankful to have an opportunity with GMS Racing to run full time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2017,” Grala said in a press release. “This organization has been on a steep rise the past couple of years, and it’s been fun being a part of it in 2016.”
Grala’s crew chief will be Jerry Baxter, who spent the last four seasons with Kyle Busch Motorsports and the 2016 season with Christopher Bell. Baxter has nine wins in six years in the Truck Series.
“I’m looking forward to next season with GMS and working through this transition with Kaz,” Baxter said in a press release. “I really enjoy helping young drivers get started in this series and developing their talent, and I saw what Kaz accomplished in the few races he ran last season.”
GMS Racing has been competing full time in the Truck Series for three years and earned its first championship this season with Johnny Sauter.
“GMS Racing has really gone out of their way to bring some of the best people in the industry on board, and Jerry Baxter is no exception,” Grala said. “I’m extremely excited to get to work with Jerry, who not only is a great match for me personality-wise, but also is very accomplished in the NASCAR world.”