Derek Lemke will join Reaume Brothers Racing for Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Richmond Raceway in the organization’s No. 33 Ford F-150.
Lemke, a native of Delano, Minnesota, began his career in Legend Cars, quickly making a name for himself before turning to asphalt late models, scoring 2013 NASCAR Minnesota Rookie of the Year honors.
However, sponsorship proved to be an issue for Lemke in making a career of racing, forcing him to instead find another calling in public relations and marketing, eventually partnering with former RBR driver, Natalie Decker.
For Lemke, this is a moment that has culminated a journey through time zones and many hats worn, but a journey he feels is full circle. “I’m super excited for the opportunity from Josh and the RBR team! I’ve spent time with the team at the track racing with Natalie and I’m glad I get to make my first NASCAR experience as a driver with RBR. Going into this with no expectations but to just enjoy this time because you never know if you get another chance like this. Hopefully we can get a good result and that would just be a cherry on top!”
“I’m super excited for the opportunity from Josh and the RBR team. I’ve spent time with the team at the track racing with Natalie and I’m glad I get to make my first NASCAR experience as a driver with RBR,” said Lemke. “Going into this with no expectations but to just enjoy this time because you never know if you get another chance like this. Hopefully we can get a good result and that would just be a cherry on top.”
Josh Reaume, owner of Reaume Brothers Racing, has kept an eye on Lemke since he first established a relationship with now fiancé Natalie Decker, and is looking forward to the opportunity for both driver and team.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Natalie as a driver before and enjoyed having Derek be a liaison for business and public relations between our team and Natalie’s team. Not only is he talented from the business perspective, he has just as much talent behind the wheel. His numerous wins and accolades in late model racing speak to his ability to control and feel a full bodied stock car, and we’re very excited to see how well that translates to the truck. We’re honored to be able to continue our tradition of showcasing new talent in NASCAR, and Derek is a talent that many should start to recognize.”
