Allmendinger has gained two races within the No. 16 automobile (Indy RC 2021 and Charlotte Roval 2023), however will solely run choose races this yr as he competes for the NASCAR Xfinity Sequence championship.
He completed sixth within the season-opening Daytona 500. Josh Williams will drive the automobile at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend. Trackhouse Racing driver Shane van Gisbergen will pilot the automobile in a handful of races as nicely.
On Thursday, Kaulig Racing revealed that Derek Kraus will pilot the No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro within the third race of the yr at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Will probably be his NASCAR Cup Sequence debut.Â
Kraus can even compete on the first of two Kansas and Darlington races on the schedule, each Phoenix races and Gateway.
Kraus, 22, has eight begins within the NASCAR Xfinity Sequence, all with Kaulig final yr. He scored three top-tens, incomes a career-best end of eighth. The 2019 ARCA Menards West Sequence champion additionally has 76 begins within the NASCAR Truck Sequence. He scored 4 top-fives, 27 top-tens and completed as excessive as second at Darlington in 2020.
Following the announcement, Kraus posted on social media: “Actually excited for this chance with Kaulig Racing in a CUP automobile! Due to Chris Rice, Matt Kaulig, and Western States Flooring for the prospect to dwell my dream!”
Now, Las Vegas could also be his Cup debut, nevertheless it will not be Kraus’ first time in a Cup automobile. Final summer season, he practiced and certified the No. 16 machine at Richmond Raceway whereas Allmendinger was making an attempt to tug double responsibility with the NASCAR Xfinity Sequence at Highway America. He additionally performs a major quantity of simulator work for the group.
