Derek Krause, a two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Western Series champion and former driver for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, is said to be Speaking to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Teamaccording to Chris Knight of CatchFinance.
Let’s dive into Kraus’ top three landing spots in the Xfinity Series this season.
Derek Kraus runs part-time in the No. 34 car for Jesse Iwuji Motorsports
Jesse Ioghi Motorsports had a solid run during the 2022 season with Kyle Weatherman. One would think a full-time trip could be on the horizon for the Weatherman but nothing has been officially announced.
This comes after team owner Jesse Oje expressed his stance Desire to expand the organization Last September to Adam Chick from Frontstretch. However, could Jesse Iwuji Motorsports be an option for Kraus?
Weatherman only ran a part-time schedule last season giving the organization open events if he didn’t go full-time. Kraus will have a good chance of competing in Xfinity Series hard gear.
Additionally, Iwuji may be more inclined to move away from leadership and focus on the aspects of owning a successful team in the Xfinity Series. Weatherman and Kraus will be off to a solid start as they continue to grow.
If not Jesse Eugey Motorsports, Krause could take his talents to another team with a large number of part-time drivers during the 2022 season.
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SS-Greenlight Racing has taken on Derek Kraus on a part-time basis
SS-Greenlight Racing has been in the headlines as a potential NASCAR Xfinity Series destination for Hailie Deegan; However, nothing came to fruition when she announced her move to ThorSport Racing for the 2023 season.
Then, former Truck Series driver Blaine Perkins was announced as the full-time driver of the No. 07 car, replacing Joe Graf Jr. in the car. The organization ran the No. 08 car on a full-time basis with two part-time drivers and this could be a downside.
Kraus won’t be jumping into the same level of equipment as he would at Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, but it could represent the most realistic landing position on the entire list.
Car No. 08 featured several part-time drivers and its lead driver, David Starr, is the GM He won’t come back team this year. This means there are more races open to the public at the moment.
Kraus will have a good opportunity to run a decent amount of racing with the team. If not, he could set his sights on a move that limits his 2023 season but lights up his future in the sport.
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Derek Kraus makes a terrible move to Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing may not be a move many expected with its drivers Landon Cassell, Daniel Hemrick and Chandler Smith. However, this may be a move towards the future.
Cassill’s situation with the organization may not be as solid as it was before last season began due to his sponsor, Voyager, declaring bankruptcy in July 2022. Additionally, Hemric’s prior experience and championship status make him a viable option for the Cup Series.
If Kraus runs several races in a part-time vehicle, he could be lined up for a full-time ride at some point in the future. Cassill and Hemric may finally be running out of time in the Xfinity Series.
Probably the best equipment option for Kraus outside of grabbing a few races for Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 19 car. Based on past performances in the NASCAR Truck Series, it might not be a very realistic option.
Either way, Kraus is still looking for a spot to drive through the 2023 season. The Xfinity Series appears to be a solid option because few organizations have part-time job openings available yet.