Derek Kraus, J.J. Yeley among crashes in season finale

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Of the 38 starters in the Xfinity Series Championship event at Phoenix Raceway Saturday, five failed to finish, including separate crashes involving part-time racers Derek Kraus and J.J. Yeley.

Kraus, racing in eight events this year for Kaulig Racing, crashed during the second stage of the race in Turn 2, prompting the end of the stage. He finished 37th.

“I blew a right-front (tire),” Kraus said to The Racing Experts. “Not a great way to end the weekend and the year with Kaulig.”

In his eight starts this year, Kraus posted three Top-10 finishes.

Yeley, who won the opportunity to race the No. 08 Fan Controlled Racing ride for SS Greenlight Racing, crashed after contact from No. 53 Chris Hacker as the two raced out of Turn 2 towards the backstretch. Yeley finished 36th.

“As I was coming off of Turn 2, I got a little bit loose, trying to give(Chris) room, he crossed over on the back and he spun me out,” Yeley said. “A little uncalled for, lap 100, not very much experience, just a stupid move.”

For Yeley, the race was just his fourth start in the series in 2023.