During the 2023 season, the Xfinity No. 10 car of Kaulig Racing was like a revolving door, hosting a mix of NASCAR Cup Series heavyweights. Names like Kyle Busch, A.J. Allmendinger, Justin Haley, Kyle Larson, Jordan Taylor, Justin Marks, Daniel Suárez, Ross Chastain, and Austin Dillon took turns behind the wheel. As we gear up for the 2024 season, there’s still a big question mark on who’ll claim the No. 10 car as their full-time ride. However, whispers in fan circles suggest Derek Kraus might be the crowd favorite.

Another star from the Xfinity series, Daniel Hemric, has climbed the ladder to the Cup series. This shake-up could just be the golden ticket for Kraus to step up and take the reins of the No. 10 car on a full-time basis.

Kaulig Racing gears up for 2024 with a familiar number

Hot off the press from Kaulig Racing’s Twitter, their No. 10 Xfinity car is set for a comeback in 2024. With Daniel Hermic climbing the ladder to the Cup Series, and most of its other drivers also hailing from the Cup, the NASCAR community is buzzing with talk. They’re wondering if it’s high time for No. 10 to find a steady hand at the wheel.

The name on everyone’s lips is Derek Kraus, a 21-year-old speedster from Stratford, Wisconsin. Kraus first revved his engines in the Wisconsin Go Kart Series at the tender age of seven. From there, he shifted gears into the Midwest Bandolero and Truck Series, snagging wins and a championship along the way. 2016 was a banner year for Kraus, as he broke a two-decade-old record to become the youngest winner in the ARCA Midwest Series, leaving the marks of legends like Matt Kenseth and Mark Martin in his rearview mirror.

His journey continued with Bill McAnally Racing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. Over three seasons, Kraus’s trophy cabinet filled up with ten wins, eight poles, and a slew of top-10 finishes. He scooped up Rookie of the Year in 2017 and clinched the K&N Pro Series West championship in 2019, adding to his growing reputation.

Kraus’s truck racing debut at Phoenix Raceway in 2018 was a head-turner with an eighth-place finish. In 2023, Kraus juggled roles as Legacy Motor Club’s simulator driver and part-time racer for Young’s Motorsports and Kaulig Racing. Despite not having a full-time seat, Kraus has flashed some brilliance in top-notch equipment. This sparks the question: is Kraus on the path to a full-time gig in 2024? If so, where might he land?

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Kaulig Racing’s No. 10 in the Xfinity series seems like a strong bet. With three top-10 finishes under his belt and a knack for keeping the car in one piece, it’s a natural fit, especially with a seat opening up for 2024. But what about the funding part? If Kraus can drum up the financial backing, his rapport with Kaulig could turn this potential into reality, offering him a shot with a race-winning team.

Another avenue could be Young’s Motorsports’ No. 2 or No. 20 in the Truck Series. While not the flashiest option, considering his mixed results there, it’s a stable choice for Kraus to hone his skills. What remains to be seen is Kraus’s appetite for a team like Young’s Motorsports.

After tasting life in the fast lane with Kaulig in the Xfinity Series, adjusting to a less front-running team could be a challenge. Yet, with Young’s Motorsports’ track record of wins, they could be an intriguing prospect for Kraus to explore. But, well, fans are seemingly hoping for him to end up with Kaulig racing itself.

Derek Kraus gains fan support for the No. 10 seat

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When Kaulig Racing teased fans with a snap of the No. 10 car, captioned with a cheeky “Who said it was gone? 😏,” it sent the fanbase into a frenzy. The majority were quick to throw their support behind Derek Kraus, with comments pouring in like, “Please let this be Derek Kraus. He definitely deserves it,” and “I hope we get @derek9kraus some!!”

The chorus of Kraus fans grew louder with remarks like, “Hopefully Kraus gets some more starts this year!”

However, the guessing game wasn’t all about Kraus. One fan threw a few more names into the hat, wondering, “Car for Hemric, Kyle Busch, Zilisch, Kraus, Taylor, and others?”

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Amidst the sea of Kraus cheerleaders, a lone voice stood out, rooting for Connor Zilisch. He pointed out, “Considering SVG and Trackhouse are already collaborating with Kaulig, this seems like a natural landing spot for Zilisch.” The speculation is heating up, and the fans are divided on who they want to see take the wheel of the No. 10 car.