Kraus set to make NASCAR Cup Series debut
FOR HUB CITY TIMES
LEXINGTON, NC – Kaulig Racing announced Feb. 22 that Stratford native Derek Kraus will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut March 3 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, in the No. 16 Western States Flooring Camaro ZL1.
Kraus, 22, will also compete March 10 at Phoenix Raceway, the AdventHealth 400 May 5 at Kansas Speedway, the Goodyear 400 May 12 at Darlington Raceway, the Enjoy Illinois 300 June 2 at World Wide Technology Raceway and again in Phoenix Nov. 10.
“I’m really excited to make my first Cup Series start with Kaulig Racing, the team that I also made my Xfinity Series debut with,” said Kraus in a statement from the team. “I’m thankful to (owner) Matt Kaulig and (Kaulig Racing President) Chris Rice for believing in me, as well as Western States Flooring, a partner that has supported me throughout my career. I can’t wait to get to work with Travis Mack’s group and see what we can do in Las Vegas.”
Derek is not a total stranger to the Cup scene. He practiced and qualified the No. 16 for AJ Allmendinger at Richmond Raceway last year, while Allmendinger competed in the NXS race at Road America before flying to Richmond to compete in the NCS race that Sunday.
Kraus drove eight Xfinity races for Kaulig Racing last season, recording three top-10 finishes.