Grala wins NASCAR Truck Series opener after Crafton flips

By AP
Published

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) Kaz Grala won the NASCAR Truck Series season opener, getting through a massive wreck on the final lap at Daytona International Speedway.

The 18-year-old Grala became the youngest winner in a NASCAR national series. He was lucky to even make it to the checkered flag Friday night.

Two-time series champion Matt Crafton was leading the 100-lap race when he got turned sideways and went for a wild ride that included several spins and a harrowing flip. Crafton's No. 88 Toyota landed on all four tires, and he was able to walk away seemingly unscathed.

Only 13 of 32 trucks finished on the lead lap, an indication of all the carnage.

Austin Wayne Self was second, followed by Chase Briscoe and John Hunter Nemechek. Nemechek's father, Joe, finished fifth.

---

More AP auto racing: www.racing.ap.org