STRATFORD, Wis. (WSAW) – Derek Kraus is living the dream of any young racer, driving behind the wheel of a NASCAR Cup Series car. The Stratford native recently completed his rookie season on a part-time schedule.
Kraus took part of six races on the year with Kaulig Racing, driving in a rotation for their #16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The 23-year-old earned his way onto NASCAR’s top level, amazed to compete with the best of the best.
“I always tell my buddies it’s really easy to sit at home and judge and say what you want,” says Kraus. “And then it’s just so much different once you get on the racetrack. Everybody’s so good, everybody’s really particular and critique about how they are on the racetrack. And they hit their line every time.”
Like many professional racers, Kraus currently resides in North Carolina. However, Kraus will always carry pride for Stratford, a place he still considers home.
“I enjoy getting back there, I get back there as much as I can to hang out with my friends and family that’s all there,” says Kraus. “So being able to represent Wisconsin and Stratford is really cool. And to be able to come out of there and do everything we can to make Stratford proud has been really special to me.”
Kraus balanced his NASCAR and late model schedule, making trips back to Slinger and La Crosse through this year.
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