Top Ten Finish for Kraus at Texas Motor Speedway

It was a mixed bag of emotions during the SpeedyCash.com 400, but ENEOS-sponsored Derek Kraus, series rookie driver of the McAnally-Hilgemann Racing#19 Shockwave / ENEOS Toyota Tundra, secured another top-ten finish at Texas Motor Speedway on October 25, 2020.

He was in the top ten for most of the race, the top fives on several occasions, but finally finished ninth after battling back from a late pit stop, giving Kraus his 12th top ten finish in 21 starts this season.

Starting 11th on the grid, Kraus charged to fifth in the first six laps, then shuffled to 11th after completing the first stage. By lap 60 he was up to fourth, then fifth when the second stage concluded on lap 70.

He started stage three in 13th after a pit stop and, on lap 92, tried to gain track position during a move under a subsequent caution, and only took on fuel during his pit stop. Kraus then led briefly and fought to stay in the lead group among trucks that had switched to fresh tires.

Pitting for tires and fuel during a caution on lap 106, Kraus lined up 20th for the restart. Battling for position the remainder of the race, he was back in the top ten with less than 20 laps left. The Tundra crossed the finish line in ninth during an overtime finish.

“We started really strong and battled for track position all day,” Kraus said. “It’s really tough to pass when you’re trying to stay up front. Our Shockwave / ENEOS Toyota ran clean, and overall it was a good day.”

NEXT RACE

Kraus heads to the NASCAR Hall of Fame 200, taking place October 30, 2020 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA.