Rajah Caruth Becomes 3rd Black Driver to win NASCAR National Series Race
March 2, 2024
Rajah Caruth became the third Black driver to ever win a NASCAR national series race when he took home the Victoria's Voice Foundation 200 on Friday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks @NASCAR_TrucksHe will never forget his first!<br><br>Repost to congratulate <a href="https://twitter.com/rajahcaruth_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajahcaruth_</a> on winning his first career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race! <a href="https://t.co/JMHt1FmBBX">pic.twitter.com/JMHt1FmBBX</a>
The 21-year-old Caruth, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, drives the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports.
The Washington, D.C. native also didn't encounter too much stress down the stretch, comfortably holding off Tyler Ankru in second and Corey Heim in third.
He spoke with FOX Sports' Josh Sims afterward:
Josh Sims @JoshRSims"Surreal ... I can't believe it."<br><br>Talking with <a href="https://twitter.com/rajahcaruth_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajahcaruth_</a> after his first career NASCAR Truck Series victory in Las Vegas. <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASCARonFOX</a> <a href="https://t.co/gPvGRbMXUQ">pic.twitter.com/gPvGRbMXUQ</a>
Wendell Scott is the first Black driver to ever win a NASCAR national series race after he took top honors in the 1964 Jacksonville 200.
Bubba Wallace then followed Scott. He is a six-time Craftsman Truck Series winner and also finished first twice in the NASCAR Cup Series, most recently at the 2022 Hollywood Casino 400.
Wallace congratulated Caruth after the big win.
Caruth, who got his start on the ARCA Menards series in 2021, made four appearances in the Truck series in 2022 before racing on the circuit full time in 2023. He drove the No. 24 Chevy for GMS Racing and finished 16th in the standings.
This year has gotten off to a great start for Caruth, who began the year with his highest-ever finish (third) at the Fresh From Florida 250. Caruth then took eighth at the Fr8 208 before earning top honors on Friday evening.
Up next for Caruth is the Weather Guard Truck Rrace at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 16.