05-05-2025
HBCU star turns heads in NASCAR
Most NASCAR drivers didn't grow up watching races from a dorm room at an HBCU—but Rajah Caruth isn't like most drivers.
At just 22 years old, Caruth is blazing a trail in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports. On May 2, he turned heads at Texas Motor Speedway with a thrilling third-place finish at the 250, a race that stretched into double overtime. It marked his second top-five of the season and a defining moment in a breakout year.
Advertisement
HBCU Roots with Racing Ambitions
Caruth graduated from Winston-Salem State University in December 2024 with a degree in Motorsports Management. That alone makes history—WSSU is the only HBCU in the country offering such a program. Balancing a NASCAR schedule with academics? That's next-level discipline. His journey reflects a powerful fusion of culture and competition, reminding fans that Black excellence belongs in every lane.
Driving Change in a Traditional Sport
Representation matters—and Caruth is making sure the NASCAR world knows it. As one of just a few Black drivers in NASCAR's national series history to secure a top finish, he joins the legacy of pioneers like Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace. Caruth's rise through NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program underscores how talent, when given opportunity, can shatter barriers.
Spire Motorsports (71) Rajah Caruth at Daytona International Speedway © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A New Face of NASCAR's Future
Advertisement
Caruth isn't just racing—he's redefining the sport's future. Whether it's his calm under pressure or his vocal support for diversity, he brings more than speed to the track. His steady climb in 2025 has HBCU fans and racing insiders watching closely.
Related: Black College Football Hall of Fame makes major announcement
The Finish Line
Rajah Caruth isn't asking for attention—he's earning it. And if you're an HBCU sports fan, it's time to tune in, show out, and ride with one of our own.
Related: NBA legend and HBCU trailblazer dies at 88
Related: Baseball visionary and HBCU pioneer dies at 65
