Plans for a strong finish after a top-10 start by Derek Kraus were derailed early in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Bucked Up 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Friday night.
Kraus started eighth in the McAnally-Hilgemann Racing No. 19 Hunter Nation/South Point Toyota Tundra and was running just outside the top 10 when his engine lost power.
He coasted to the pits and his crew went to work trying to diagnose the problem. They got the engine refired and were able to get Kraus back on track – eight laps down in 40th position.
With a never-give-up approach, Kraus kept charging throughout the race – looking to gain spots in whatever way possible. He avoided incidents on the track and took advantage of attrition that sidelined some of his competition, to finish 32nd.
Derek Kraus – Thoughts about the event
“It was not the night we were looking for. We had a fast Tundra and expected to have a strong race, but had a mechanical problem early. Thanks to the MHR guys for getting me back out there to get as many points as we could.”
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Event:
Race: Bucked Up 200 (134 Laps) (Race 3 of 22) March 5, 2021
Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nev. (1.5-mile oval)
Format: Three Stages; Lap 30 / Lap 60 / Lap 134
Derek Kraus
No. 19 Hunter Nation/South Point Toyota Tundra
Age: 19
Hometown: Stratford, Wis.
Started: 8th
Stage 1: 40th
Stage 2: 40th
Finished: 32nd (Running, completed 126 of 134 laps)
Race Winner: John Hunter Nemechek
2021 Series stats:
Races: 3 starts, 1 top 10
Laps completed: 233/286
Series standings: 24th
Next Race:
Fr8Auctions 200, March 20, 2021, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Ga. (1.54-mile oval)
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing PR
