Kaz Grala on Standby for Sheldon Creed, Richard Childress Racing at Portland

Following the end of NASCAR Xfinity Series practice from Portland International Raceway, Kaz Grala confirmed via social media that he will be on standby for Sheldon Creed, as the NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie awaits the birth of his first child.

Out here in Portland with @RCRracing on standby for the No. 2 team as @SheldonCreed awaits the arrival of his baby. They were P1 in practice! pic.twitter.com/91hoR7skzh

— Kaz Grala (@KazGrala) June 3, 2022

The Boston, Massachusetts-native is no stranger to being in this role, having replaced RCR driver Austin Dillon in the NASCAR Cup Series event at Daytona’s Road Course, netting him a top-10 result on debut at NASCAR’s top level.

While competing part-time for TMT Racing, Big Machine Racing, and Young’s Motorsports across NASCAR’s National divisions, Grala is also the official reserve driver – and a three-race pilot — for Alpha Prime Racing.

In February, when Grala’s 11-race deal with Young’s Motorsports was announced, the 23-year-old was scheduled to compete in Saturday’s Toyota 200 at WWT Raceway. However, Jesse Little, who Grala splits the ride with, will compete in the event on Saturday.

In the event that Sheldon Creed must leave Portland prior to the start of Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event, Kaz Grala will drive the No. 2 and be credited as the vehicle’s driver, therefore earning points for the entry.

If Grala starts the event, and wins, Richard Childress Racing’s No. 2 would NOT be locked into the Owners Playoffs, as Grala runs for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points.

However, should Sheldon Creed start the event behind the wheel of the car, no matter who is driving the car when it crosses the checkered flag, Creed will be credited with the points earned, and the playoff eligibility, should the car win the race.