Rajah Caruth’s NASCAR journey is a testament to ambition and perseverance, as he rose from racing virtually on iRacing to securing a coveted spot in the professional racing world. His story has gained renewed attention after a new video shared by Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Dirty Mo Media featured Caruth reflecting on his progression from modest beginnings to competing for established teams like JR Motorsports and Spire Motorsports.
Starting from Virtual Tracks to Real-World Racing
Rajah Caruth’s introduction to racing began on iRacing, using a school-issued MacBook modified to run the simulation. Initially relying on a basic computer setup and an affordable steering wheel purchased through family-funded fundraising, Caruth’s early experiences were rooted in determination. As recalled in the Dirty Mo Media interview, Caruth managed his first simulation laps under humble circumstances, which would lay the groundwork for his future in stock car racing.
“@rajahcaruth_ went from @iRacing on his school computer to joining @JRMotorsports.”
Today, Caruth is behind the wheel for the No. 71 truck with Spire Motorsports, continuing to build his reputation as a developing force in the competitive NASCAR landscape. He credits examples like William Byron—who found success after a similar simulated start—as a pivotal motivator and inspiration while seeking to convince his parents that racing was more than just a hobby.
“My first computer I had iracing on was my school laptop. It was a macbook and I had to split with the harddrive to put windows on it. I nuked that thing for sure. But that was my first time iracing and at the point, to get my first pc, we did a fundraiser with family and friends, a PC and an $80 thrustmaster wheel from best buy and that was my first time getting on iracing.” —Rajah Caruth, NASCAR Driver
Inspired by Role Models and the Pursuit of the Sunday Stage
From early on, Rajah Caruth was passionate about advancing to NASCAR’s upper echelons, aspiring to be a “Sunday guy”—a driver who competes in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sundays. That tenacity, paired with Byron’s championship as a catalyst, strengthened his resolve. He impresses upon others that his journey involved balancing educational commitments with a steadfast goal to progress in racing.
“I wanted to be a Sunday guy, and at the point, William (Byron) had won his championship over here… He was the example… That was the selling point to my parents, I know I gotta go to school and go to college but I want to race and this is what I’m passionate about.” —Rajah Caruth, NASCAR Driver
Caruth’s rise is one of careful planning, incremental steps, and drawing inspiration from prominent drivers, propelled by the support of his family and friends. His story demonstrates the modern reality that digital racing platforms can serve as an accessible launchpad for future talents in motorsports.
Securing a Spot in Upcoming Seasons
Rajah Caruth recently confirmed to fans via a Twitch livestream that he will compete full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, a significant escalation in his career trajectory. For most of that season, he will drive the No. 88 car for JR Motorsports, while also participating in select events with Jordan Anderson Racing. This announcement followed the news of his partial-season role with JR Motorsports, which had initially left some uncertainty among fans regarding his ongoing involvement with Jordan Anderson Racing in the No. 32 car.
Caruth’s history with Jordan Anderson Racing includes two starts to date, with finishes of 22nd at Dover and 29th at Daytona for the team’s No. 32 entry. Other team drivers this season have included Austin Green, Katherine Legge, team owner Jordan Anderson, and Caruth himself. The competitive experiences in these roles have further established Caruth’s credentials and resilience on the track.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Perspective on NASCAR’s Future
Dale Earnhardt Jr., now a prominent figure in team ownership alongside Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks through the acquisition of the CARS Tour, has publicly discussed the complexities of supporting and critiquing NASCAR. On The Athletic’s 12 Questions podcast, he shared his thoughts on delivering honest assessments of the sport’s challenges while remaining mindful of the league’s image and long-term health.
“I hear from NASCAR, and their concern is genuine and it’s real,” he said. “When they say, ‘Man, all people hear about is what we’re doing wrong. You’re telling everyone these things are bad, and they’re not going to want to come see it if you’re telling them not to watch it.’ I absolutely understand where they’re coming from.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Team Owner
With TV ratings in flux and criticism regarding the Next Gen car and playoff rules, Earnhardt Jr.’s perspective is shaped by his own experience stewarding a racing series. This vantage point emphasizes balancing fan engagement, innovation, and financial success with the enduring spirit of competition—an equilibrium necessary for NASCAR’s continued relevance and prosperity.
The Lasting Impact of Caruth’s Success
Rajah Caruth’s journey from iRacing on a school laptop to competing for respected teams at the national level is striking both for its humble beginnings and for the way it illustrates evolving pathways into motorsport. His achievements not only serve as an inspiration to aspiring drivers, especially those without traditional access to racing, but also reaffirm the power of persistence and strategic support. As Caruth prepares for full-time involvement in future NASCAR series, his unfolding story adds a passionate, energetic chapter to the sport, inspiring both established and emerging fans.
.@rajahcaruth_ went from @iRacing on his school computer to joining @JRMotorsports. 💻🏁
A new @DaleJr Download just hit your feeds — go listen and watch!
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YouTube: https://t.co/ckRlvlGIc7 pic.twitter.com/lcAo7LhqCM— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) October 22, 2025
