Rajah Caruth learning from NASCAR Cup Series drivers has become a crucial aspect of his journey as he continues to rise through the NASCAR Truck Series. This weekend, as he prepares to race at Michigan International Speedway, Caruth will share the track with renowned Cup Series talents Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar, reinforcing his belief that competing with elite drivers accelerates his own progress.
Racing Against Cup Series Regulars: A Unique Opportunity
Caruth is building his reputation in the NASCAR Truck Series, but he aims to ultimately join the ranks of the NASCAR Cup Series. Unlike some drivers who prefer not to see Cup competitors “drop down” into other series, Caruth welcomes their participation, seeing each occurrence as a valuable learning experience. Saturday’s race at Michigan International Speedway will feature Cup regulars Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar—his teammate at Spire Motorsports—adding a fresh layer of competition to the field.
Even if the race gets intense with rivals such as Hocevar or Chastain, Caruth focuses on the benefits each competition brings. He is especially hopeful, given that he is seeking back-to-back wins after his recent victory at Nashville.
Learning from the Best Translates into Results
On a recent episode of the Rubbin’ Is Racing podcast, Caruth expressed how much he values these experiences.
“I love racing with Cup guys,”
Caruth said.
“It just makes us better even if we get our teeth kicked in.”
—Rajah Caruth, NASCAR Truck Series Driver
Caruth has previously worked alongside some of NASCAR’s big names, including Kyle Busch and William Byron, which has offered him direct insight into top-level racing. Being teammates with such successful drivers and sharing a track with Sunday contenders gives Caruth the chance to observe, learn, and improve his own skills.
“But also, anytime you can race with guys that are Sunday contenders, it’s going to elevate you, especially if you’re around them on the racetrack.”
—Rajah Caruth, NASCAR Truck Series Driver
Recent Success Highlights Progress
Coming off a seventh-place finish in last year’s final Truck Series standings, Caruth notched one win, five top-five finishes, and twelve top-ten results in a packed 23-race season. This year, he’s already reached victory lane in Nashville, and after twelve races, he has one win, three top-fives, and seven top-tens, currently holding the tenth spot in the standings with plenty of races and the playoffs still to come.
Steps Toward a Bigger Stage
Caruth, an Atlanta native now 22 years old, hopes to return to the Xfinity Series next year, where he previously made 19 starts across two seasons, with Martinsville providing his best results at twelfth place. While his Xfinity stints have presented challenges, Caruth’s positive outlook fuels his development and appreciation for the process.
“So definitely, I love when Cup guys race in the Truck Series,”
Caruth said.
“You’re able to learn a lot, it’s a great opportunity and a lot of fun.”
—Rajah Caruth, NASCAR Truck Series Driver
The experience, even if difficult at times, is one Caruth embraces wholeheartedly, emphasizing that,
“If you get your teeth kicked in, hopefully you have your dentist on speed dial, just in case.”
The Broader Impact on Young Drivers
By competing against Cup Series contenders like Ross Chastain and his teammate Carson Hocevar, Caruth not only challenges himself but also believes these experiences help elevate the performance level of everyone in the series. His progress this season, along with the affirming words from his time with top-tier drivers such as Kyle Busch and William Byron, demonstrates how crucial learning from accomplished racers is for aspiring professionals. With half the season and playoffs left, Caruth’s commitment to growth keeps him optimistic about his trajectory within NASCAR.
