Derek Kraus: Back In NASCAR In No. 44 Car

The promising Wisconsin-born driver Derek Kraus has been missing from NASCAR after his part-time stint with Kaulig in the Cup Series last year. He will be back in the No. 44 NY Racing Chevy for the 600 despite having trouble paying former drivers such as JJ Yeley and former Cup Series winner Greg Biffle.

Derek Kraus’ Time In the Cup Series Last Year Was a Struggle!

At what was a poor season for the Kaulig Cup team, Kraus didn’t make things any better with a highest finish of 25th at the finale at Phoenix. He hardly got noticed. Certainly didn’t help that those six lackluster Cup starts were all the starts he had in the top 3 series last year. Other anonymous finishes like 31st at Kansas and 28th at Las Vegas did not help.

This Betrays the Immense Potential Kraus Has Shown Throughout His Career

He was a 2017 Racing-Reference.info rising star of the year. He also did a part-time stint with Kaulig in 2023 in the Xfinity Series, getting multiple top 10s and getting a stage win at Homestead-Miami during a time when Kaulig’s Xfinity form started to dip. Not to mention his time in the Truck Series, where he laid the foundation for the now successful MHR. He carried the No. 19 team back when they were below KBM, Thorsport, and Hattori in the Toyota pecking order. They were GMS’s sidekick on Chevy.

Almost Winning At Tracks Like Gateway and Darlington

He showed off his incredible race craft with passes like a double pass at Dover and a phenomenal pass and block at Vegas. Even this incredible move on Creed in his truck series debut at Phoenix, showcased his immense potential. But leaving behind MHR in 2023 proved to be a mistake, as that would be their breakout year, with his replacement Christian Eckes winning multiple races.

He Went To NY Racing Despite Previous Trouble

NY Racing has had a weird history. From having one of their cars stolen, then turning up abandoned in the woods. To disappearing for years after doing a handful of races, and reappearing with NASCAR legend Biffle coming with college sponsorships. Biffle then decided to boycott the team demanding the money he was owed for the 2022 season.

It wouldn’t be the last time they had trouble paying people, with JJ Yeley implying that he’s simply happy to have a ride in the Daytona 500. Safe to say expectations won’t be high, but hope Kraus gets paid. Thanks a bunch for reading!