By Kari Shear-Carlson
Mark Kraus is no stranger to success behind the wheel of a race car. He started his career running street stocks on the dirt and only a few years later was running for and winning championships in a dirt late model.

So his recent consecutive solid runs and second place finishes at Illiana Motor Speedway and Hawkeye Downs Speedway came as no surprise. When asked what has contributed most to his recent success, Mark said that a change in careers at the beginning of the season was a huge factor. Taking over the family grocery store business has allowed Mark more time to commit to and work on his race car, which is critical because Mark has a limited crew and acts as his own crew chief. “Being both the driver and crew chief can be frustrating. It’s hard because you have to worry about what you’re going to do to make the car better while you’re driving. It would definitely be nice have a full crew,” stated the driver of the #9K DMK Motorsports Ford Fusion. In addition, Mark also has the stress of worrying about the money and driving the hauler to and from each race.

“He's the true meaning of being a crew chief, car owner, mechanic, and driver” accredited Steve Einhaus, ASAMT Vice President. While he does have the stress of so many responsibilities he is quick to give credit and thanks to those who are able to help him out on a regular basis and acknowledges that he could not do what he does without them. His brother Greg Kraus helps out a lot and is at most races, and Larry Syring, John Fahey, and John Davel come whenever they can. Mark said of his sponsor, Jim Schlewitz who attends almost all of his races, “If I didn’t have him, I wouldn’t be at the races.” Mark’s wife Kathy and their two children, Derek and Lauren, are not only Mark’s biggest fans, but Kathy and their son Derek work as crew members while at the track. Kathy does whatever she can on race day and their son Derek is also an excellent helper. “When I took the lead at Cedar Rapids, my son Derek came over the radio and said, ‘go daddy, go!” said the proud father. Mark enjoys having the whole family there. It makes travelling to all the races so much easier on him and the entire family.

“The ASAMT is one of the best in the country and has some of the most talented drivers” stated Kraus. He enjoys the competiveness of the racing in the ASAMT and that drivers get to compete with local drivers as well as the tour regulars at the various tracks. Mark also appreciates the open communication and respect between the drivers and the officials. Travelling with the tour feels like family. When he showed up to the track with a limited crew, the ASAMT officials thanked him for coming with what he had, and crew members from other teams were eager to lend a hand.

While Mark’s goal is to win at least one race this season, he doesn’t take a second place finish for granted. After losing his car owner, Don Fanetti earlier this year to cancer, Mark wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to continue racing. “He (Don) knew that I could drive, but I always wanted to win for him and show him that I could do it” said Mark. Don’s wife Marilyn continues to be very supportive and has complete confidence in Mark. She has been thrilled to hear of his recent success. Don Fanetti believed in him and Mark knows what it takes to get into victory lane. As strong as he has been running, that win for Mark, and for the late Don Fanetti, is sure to come in the very near future.