Derek Kraus will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Kaulig Racing this season, the team announced Feb. 22.
Kraus will debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the No. 16.
In addition to Las Vegas, Kraus will be behind the wheel of the No. 16 for both races at Phoenix Raceway along with Kansas Speedway in May, Darlington Raceway in May and World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.
“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!” Kraus said in a team release. “I’m thankful to Matt Kaulig and 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.”
“We’re excited to have Derek Kraus make his first Cup start with us at Kaulig Racing,” Chris Rice, president of Kaulig, added. “Not only did he practice in the No. 16 last year for AJ Allmendinger, but Derek is our simulator driver that helps get our setups ready each week. We know what Derek is capable of, and we can’t wait to see what he can do starting in Las Vegas.”
Kraus does have prior experience with the team, competing in eight races with Kaulig’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program in 2023, picking up three top 10s in the process.
Kraus also has four top fives and 27 top 10s in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
He’s the fourth driver to be announced to the No. 16 for 2024, following AJ Allmendinger, Josh Williams and Shane van Gisbergen.
Sign up for the Frontstretch Newsletter
A daily email update (Monday through Friday) providing racing news, commentary, features, and information from Frontstretch.com
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at …