Dale Earnhardt Jr JR Motorsports has officially brought on Rajah Caruth, a current full-time Truck Series driver, to compete part-time for the team beginning next season in the Xfinity Series, which will become the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026. Caruth, a rising presence in NASCAR, is set to drive the iconic #88 Chevrolet Camaro for the team, enhancing both his own career and the future ambitions of JR Motorsports.
Rajah Caruth to Compete Part-Time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
On Tuesday, JR Motorsports revealed their decision to add Rajah Caruth to their roster for the 2026 season. Caruth, who currently runs a full Truck Series schedule and part-time efforts with Jordan Anderson Racing in the Xfinity Series, is also active with Spire Motorsports this year. He will move into the #88 car, which has been piloted by Connor Zilisch, adding another high-potential competitor to the organization led by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The team’s announcement gained additional credibility and attention through NASCAR reporter Toby Christie, who stated on X,
“Rajah Caruth will go part-time behind the wheel of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with HendrickCars.com sponsorship during the 2026 #NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.”
— Toby Christie, NASCAR Journalist
The choice of Caruth for the #88 car maintains tradition, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself previously raced under this number at JR Motorsports, a team known for fielding strong competitors in the Xfinity Series and maintaining a Cup Series presence part-time. With this addition, the team deepens its connection to a new generation of racing talent while continuing its legacy in the sport.
Reflections on Talladega and Current Playoff Standing
Following the team announcement, Rajah Caruth spoke about his recent experience at the Talladega Superspeedway in the Truck Series. The race was an emotional one for Caruth, who later explained his feelings to the media:
“I would say pretty frustrated with how it ended,” Caruth said, describing his emotions post-race. “I didn’t want to split [Lajoie], I just got popped at the wrong time. Still a great points day.”
— Rajah Caruth, Truck Series Driver
Despite qualifying in eleventh, Caruth surged to the front by the end of Stage 1 and remained a contender throughout, finishing third in Stage 2. Ultimately, he secured a ninth-place result, placing ahead of Kaden Honeycutt and directly behind Corey Lajoie. The race victory went to Gio Ruggiero, who led Corey Heim and Ty Majeski across the finish line.
Caruth maintains a strong position within the playoff standings, currently sitting second overall with a fourteen-point cushion above the elimination line. With only three more drivers able to clinch spots, the coming race at Martinsville holds significant weight for Caruth and six other hopefuls as the postseason continues.
Implications for JR Motorsports and the Future
The addition of Rajah Caruth to Dale Earnhardt Jr JR Motorsports signals the team’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent while preserving their competitive edge in a changing NASCAR landscape. Featuring established connections with drivers like Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports and their own historic Cup Series efforts, JR Motorsports is strategically positioning itself for greater visibility and success in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
As Caruth continues to compete in critical playoff races and adapt to new opportunities, the partnership is expected to have a ripple effect on the junior ranks of NASCAR as well as teams like Jordan Anderson Racing and Spire Motorsports. Fans and analysts will closely watch how the collaboration will shape both Caruth’s career and the future performance of JR Motorsports as the 2026 season approaches.
Rajah Caruth will go part-time behind the wheel of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with https://t.co/pG2ixpyPhb sponsorship during the 2026 #NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. https://t.co/0qCD26aSH2
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) October 21, 2025
