Not a lot of drivers can boast running all off the famous paved ovals Wisconsin has to offer in their first season of racing. From Wisconsin International Raceway to Dells Raceway Park, State Park Speedway, Golden Sands Speedway and The Milwaukee Mile, to name a few, Wyatt Kraiss took them all on during the 2024 racing season. A Sun Prairie, Wisconsin native who now calls Randolph, WI home, Kraiss left it all on the track every day while competing in the ultra-competitive Midwest Truck Series. Other than a couple of years in karts nearly 20 years ago, he jumped feet first into one of the most competitive classes in the state.
Between the iconic names of second and third generation drivers to those with NASCAR credentials in the field every race, Kraiss had his work cut out for him in his rookie year. But he was undaunted in his effort to learn and gain speed each week. At a glance his race stats don’t tell the whole story of his inaugural run.
Kraiss entered 12 of the 13 events on the series schedule and made eight features. His best A-Main run was a 19th place finish. For most races, the Midwest Truck Series draws enough entries that making the feature isn’t a given. Kraiss worked his way into eight “A’s” enroute to a 17th place finish out of 49 trucks scored in the series point standings. Among a field of seven rookies Kraiss was third best by points when the season was done.
While he never took the checkers in 2024, heat race action saw him crack the top five, four times, twice finishing in the runner up spot. It was certainly a season to build upon. In looking back Kraiss concludes he is most proud, “Of all the things I learned as an owner and a driver.”
John Wood is the president of the Midwest Truck Series and was impressed with the headway Kraiss made. “He didn’t come from a full-size car background, I think he raced kid karts, but he came in with no other experience. From the beginning of the year to the end I saw him make great progress. He asks questions too, which is huge. He’s a great kid from a great family and I hope he continues racing,” Wood noted.
Considering the signature events, he was part of in 2024 such as The Joe Shear Classic and The Howie Letto 30 at Madison International Speedway, Slinger’s Prelude to the Nationals and Oktoberfest at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, Kraiss can’t help but be fired up for the 2025 MTS season. He’s particularly looking forward to his home track, Jefferson Speedway in 2025.
Along the way was his dedicated crew of Austyn Trent, Skip Kraiss, Josh Kraiss, Josh Wise, Nick Klein, Nick Kilian, Travis Janick, Rachel Jorgensen, Heather Janick, his wife Cassy and daughter Addison, Kraiss was also quick to thank his mom, Chris Reese, Matt Kosky, Morgan Schissel, Jessica Howard along with these sponsors:
Pathfinder Militaria
JW Remodeling
Bank of Sun Prairie
SJB Property Solutions
Roy Ophime Photography
Latitude 43
Angell Park Speedway
More information on his team can be found under “Kraiss Racing” on Facebook.
(Author’s note: Eric Blumer Racing is proud to share the story of Wyatt Kraiss’ first season on the MTS trail. Eric and Wyatt have known each other since they were kids. Today, as a member of the Angell Park Speedway safety team, Wyatt is responsible for the safety of Eric and his fellow Badger Midget Auto Racing Association drivers at the famed track.)
Article by Bill Blumer Jr.
Photo credit to Roy Ophime Photography