Hendrick Motorsports will have Rajah Caruth behind the wheel once again, as he prepares to race for the team in the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Kansas Speedway. This marks Caruth’s first appearance with Hendrick Motorsports Rajah Caruth since 2023, sparking considerable interest among fans and racing insiders.
Background on Caruth’s Recent Racing Activities
Rajah Caruth, a regular in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, last competed for Hendrick Motorsports at the season finale in Phoenix Raceway during 2023. In that race, he brought the No. 17 car home in fourteenth place. Afterward, Caruth shifted his attention entirely toward his second full-time season with Spire Motorsports in the Truck Series.
While Caruth has not driven for Hendrick Motorsports since that Phoenix event, he has maintained a strong connection with the organization. His No. 71 truck has been sponsored all year by Hendrickcars.com. Despite the ties, he did not participate in any additional races with the part-time No. 17 Xfinity car last season, nor did he compete in other Xfinity Series races in that period.
Caruth’s 2024 Season Highlights
This year has been notable for Caruth, who continues to race for Spire Motorsports in the Truck Series. A significant moment in his season came when he won at Nashville in May, which secured his place in the playoffs for a second consecutive year. In parallel with his Truck Series work, he has also raced twice in the Xfinity Series for Jordan Anderson Racing, making starts at both Dover Motor Speedway and Daytona’s August race in the No. 32 car.
Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 17: A Rotation of Drivers
The No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports car has seen an array of drivers in 2024. Alongside Caruth, drivers such as Alex Bowman, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Corey Day, Jake Finch, and William Byron have all taken turns in the car. Of these, William Byron and Kyle Larson each captured race wins for the team. The majority of starts this year, however, came from 19-year-old Corey Day, known for his success on dirt tracks.
“Next stop: Kansas!@rajahcaruth_ will drive the No. 17 @HendrickCars Chevy at Kansas next weekend. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/BbSpv4VwZ0”
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick)
Uncertain Future and Ongoing Speculation
As fans look ahead, there are mixed expectations about where Caruth’s career could head next. Many observers predict that Caruth may step up to a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series seat after this season, but his future team remains unclear. Rumors suggest Corey Day could take a permanent spot with Hendrick Motorsports, which might lead Caruth to seek opportunities with either the rumored Spire Motorsports Xfinity program or an affiliated outfit like JR Motorsports.
The outcome of Caruth’s upcoming race at Kansas Speedway may play a crucial role in shaping his career trajectory and clarifying his status among top young drivers in the sport. With Hendrick Motorsports Rajah Caruth back together for this one-off event, many in the NASCAR community will be watching to see how the partnership pans out and what it could mean for future team lineups in both the Xfinity and Truck Series scenes.
Next stop: Kansas!@rajahcaruth_ will drive the No. 17 @HendrickCars Chevy at Kansas next weekend. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/BbSpv4VwZ0
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) September 18, 2025
