For Hub City Times

MILLINGTON, TN – Derek Kraus came away with a top-five finish at Memphis International Raceway on June 1 to retain his lead in the championship standings of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

The 17-year-old NASCAR Next driver from Stratford turned in a solid performance in the 150-lap race on the3/4-mile Tennessee track – finishing fifth in the Bill McAnally Racing No. 16 NAPA AUTO PARTS/Curb Records Toyota Camry.

“We were struggling with our drive off at the end of the race, but other than that it was still a consistent top five for our BMR NAPA Toyota. So, that’s a good day,” said Kraus.

With his fifth-place finish, Kraus leads the K&N East standings by three points – with two wins, three top-five, and five top-10 finishes in five starts this season. He also leads in the chase for the championship in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

The Memphis race, won by Chase Cabre, is slated to be televised on NBCSN on June 5.

The next event on the K&N Pro Series East schedule will at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Connecticut on June 15.