Derek Kraus, two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion and former driver for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing, is reportedly talking to a NASCAR Xfinity Series team, according to Catchfence’s Chris Knight.
Let’s dive into the three best landing spots for Kraus in the Xfinity Series this season.
Derek Kraus runs part-time in the No. 34 car for Jesse Iwuji Motorsports
Jesse Iwuji Motorsports had very solid runs during the 2022 season with Kyle Weatherman. One may have thought a full-time ride could be on the horizon for Weatherman but nothing has been made official.
This comes after team owner Jesse Iwuji expressed his desire to expand the organization last September to Frontstretch’s Adam Cheek. However, could Jesse Iwuji Motorsports be an option for Kraus?
Weatherman only ran a part-time schedule last season which gives the organization open events if he does not go full-time. Kraus would have a good opportunity to compete in solid Xfinity Series equipment.
Plus, Iwuji might be more inclined to step away from driving and focus on the aspects of owning a successful team in the Xfinity Series. Weatherman and Kraus would be a solid start as they continue to grow.
If not Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, Kraus could take his talents to another team that featured a plethora of part-time drivers during the 2022 season.
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SS-Greenlight Racing grabs Derek Kraus on a part-time basis
SS-Greenlight Racing was in the headlines as a potential NASCAR Xfinity Series destination for Hailie Deegan; however, nothing came to fruition as 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. The organization ran the No. 08 car on a full-time basis with part-time drivers and this could be a landing spot.
Kraus would not be jumping into the same level of equipment as he would at Jesse Iwuji Motorsports but it could represent the most realistic landing spot on the entire list.
The No. 08 car featured several part-time drivers and its main driver, David Starr, is not going to return to the team this year. It means there are more races open to the public view right now.
Kraus would have a good opportunity to run a decent amount of races with the team. If not, he could set his sights on a move that limits his 2023 season but brightens his future in the sport.
Related: 3 bold options for Stewart-Haas Racing’s No. 4 car in 2024
Derek Kraus makes a shocking move to Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing might not be a move that many would expect with Landon Cassill, Daniel Hemric, and Chandler Smith as its drivers; however, this could be a move shifted toward a future outlook.
Cassill’s status with the organization might not be as solid as it was before last season started due to his sponsor, Voyager, declaring bankruptcy in July 2022. Plus, Hemric’s past experience and championship status make him a viable option for the Cup Series.
If Kraus runs a few races in a part-time vehicle, it could line him up for a full-time ride at some point in the future. Both Cassill and Hemric’s time in the Xfinity Series program could be eventually running short.
It would likely be the best equipment option for Kraus outside of grabbing a few races for Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 19 car. Based on previous performances in the NASCAR Truck Series, it might not be a very realistic option.
Either way, Kraus is still looking for a place to drive during the 2023 season. The Xfinity Series appears to be a solid option as a few organizations have part-time openings available as of now.