Rajah Caruth Bio
Rajah Kirby Caruth (born June 11, 2002) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro SS for JR Motorsports and the No. 32 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Jordan Anderson Racing. Caruth, the first Caribbean-American driver to win at Tri-County Motor Speedway, started his racing career in the eNASCAR Ignite Series after being inspired by the Disney Pixar movie Cars. He has made significant strides in various racing series, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport, and he is actively involved with Young Minority Mentorship in Motorsports, promoting diversity in racing.
Early Life and Background
Rajah Caruth was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to a Vincentian father and a Vincentian-Barbadian mother. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and Washington, D.C. Caruth developed a passion for racing at a young age, inspired by the animated film Cars. His parents encouraged his interest in motorsports, and at the age of twelve, they surprised him with a trip to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway. This experience solidified his desire to pursue a career in racing. Caruth graduated from the School Without Walls High School in 2020, a magnet school known for its humanities programs. He later attended Winston-Salem State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Motorsports Management in 2024.
Path to Motorsports
Rajah Caruth began his racing journey in 2018, balancing his education with sports and a summer job. He and his family fundraised for an iRacing simulator, which allowed him to start racing virtually in the eNASCAR Ignite Series once he turned sixteen. His talent caught the attention of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, leading to an opportunity to race in a legends car at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2019. During his rookie season, Caruth achieved two top-ten finishes and ended thirteenth in the Semi-pro points standings. In 2020, he advanced to the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, where he won his first late model race at Greenville-Pickens Speedway and ended the season with three top-five finishes.
Rajah Caruth Career
Early Career (2018-2021)
Caruth’s early career was marked by significant achievements in various racing series. In 2021, he announced that he would run full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East for Rev Racing, competing for Rookie of the Year honors. He finished the season with two top-fives and three top-tens, ultimately ending up third in the standings. His first ARCA Menards Series start came in the 2021 Shore Lunch 150 at Iowa Speedway, where he finished ninth. Caruth’s performance in the ARCA Menards Series was impressive, earning him recognition and setting the stage for his future in NASCAR.
Breakthrough (2022-Present)
Rajah Caruth made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut on May 31, 2022, at the World Wide Technology Raceway for Spire Motorsports. In his first start, he finished eleventh. He later signed with GMS Racing for the 2023 season, where he faced challenges but also achieved his best career finish of sixth at Darlington Raceway. In 2024, Caruth joined Spire Motorsports full-time, driving the No. 71 truck. He earned his first career win at Las Vegas, becoming only the third African-American driver to win in one of NASCAR’s three national series. He advanced to the playoffs and finished seventh in the points standings. In 2025, Caruth continued to excel, securing his second win at Nashville and again making the playoffs.
Notable Works and Milestones
Rajah Caruth’s signature work includes his historic win at the 2024 Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200, making him the first Caribbean-American driver to win at Tri-County Motor Speedway. He has also been recognized with the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award in 2021 and was named the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Most Popular Driver for the 2024-2025 seasons.
Rajah Caruth Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Rajah Caruth has received several nominations, including recognition for his contributions to diversity in motorsports and his performance in various racing series.
Rajah Caruth Awards Won
Rajah Caruth has won multiple awards, including the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award in 2021 and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Most Popular Driver for the 2024-2025 seasons.
Rajah Caruth Family
Rajah Caruth is currently in a relationship with actress and producer Marsai Martin.
Personal Life
Caruth has been featured in documentaries highlighting his racing career and his involvement in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program. He is also known for his friendship with fellow driver Bubba Wallace, who serves as a mentor to him during races.
