Reaume Brothers Racing is proud to announce that super late model talent Derek Lemke will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Richmond Raceway. The Delano, MN native began his career in Legend Cars, quickly turning heads before moving into asphalt late models, picking up the 2013 NASCAR Minnesota Rookie of the Year honors. His true calling became super late models, where wins were tallied across the country.
As racing does for many drivers, sponsors become slim and funding becomes difficult to continue. Derek Lemke found another calling behind the scenes in public relations and marketing, eventually pairing together with current up and coming talent Natalie Decker. Lemke has been crucial in coordinating sponsor activations for Decker and allowing her to continue her career.
For Lemke, this is a moment that has culminated a journey through time zones and many hats worn, but a journey he feels is full circle. “I‘m super excited for the opportunity from josh and the RBR team! I‘ve spent time with the team at the track racing with Natalie and I‘m glad I get to make my first NASCAR experience as a driver with RBR. Going into this with no expectations but to just enjoy this time because you never know if you get another chance like this. Hopefully we can get a good result and that would just be a cherry on top!”
Josh Reaume, owner of Reaume Brothers Racing, has kept an eye on Lemke since first establishing a relationship with fiancé Natalie Decker, and is looking forward to the opportunity for both Lemke and the team. “I‘ve enjoyed working with Natalie as a driver before and enjoyed having Derek be a liaison for business and public relations between our team and Natalie‘s team. Not only is he talented from the business perspective, he has just as much talent behind the wheel. His numerous wins and accolades in late model racing speak to his ability to control and feel a full bodied stock car, and we‘re very excited to see how well that translates to the truck. We‘re honored to be able to continue our tradition of showcasing new talent in NASCAR, and Derek is a talent that many should start to recognize.”
Watch Derek Lemke in the No. 33 Ford F-150 during the Worldwide Express 250 for Carrier Appreciation at Richmond Raceway, Friday July 29th at 7:30 PM EST on FS1.
— Reaume Brothers Racing —
