Derek Kraus is set to make a return to the NASCAR Cup Series for this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, partnering with part-time organization NY Racing.
The native of Stratford, Wisconsin, will be piloting the No. 44 Chevrolet in Sunday’s 600-mile contest in Charlotte, North Carolina, in what will be his first NASCAR National Series start since last November’s season finale at Phoenix.
With only 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kraus and NY Racing are guaranteed a spot in the field for one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events.
Last year, Kraus made his first-ever jump into the NASCAR Cup Series, completing a six-race stint for Kaulig Racing in the No. 16 Chevrolet. During his tenure, the long-time Truck Series driver led eight total laps and secured a best result of 25th at Phoenix Raceway (November).
The 23-year-old driver has been competing in NASCAR’s National Series, in some form or fashion, since 2018, when at 17 years old he made his NASCAR Craftmsan Truck Series debut for what is now McAnally-Hilgemann Racing.
After capturing the 2019 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (now ARCA Menards Series West) championship, Kraus moved to the NASCAR Truck Series on a full-time basis, where he competed for three seasons and collected four top-five finishes.
NY Racing has attempted to qualify for a total of five NASCAR Cup Series events this season, all with JJ Yeley behind the wheel of the No. 44 Cherolet. The organization has qualified for four races, collecting a best finish of 32nd at Talladega Superspeedway in April.
Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will mark the first time since last August that NY Racing has attempted a NASCAR Cup Series event with a driver other than JJ Yeley behind the wheel of their entry. Last Summer, Joey Gase drove the entry at Daytona International Speedway.
The Coca-Cola 600 will take place on Sunday, May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Coverage of the event will be on Prime Video for the first time in NASCAR history, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
