Rajah Caruth, a rising star in NASCAR, is revving up for a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares to climb into the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports at the Kansas Speedway in the upcoming Xfinity Series race. This 23-year-old sensation, known for his determination and talent, is not just racing for points; he’s racing to make a statement.
In an electrifying announcement, Caruth expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the track where he has previously showcased his skills, stating, “I feel extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity. I’ve grown so much since the last time I drove out of this building.” His passion for the Kansas tri-oval is palpable, and he aims to leverage his past experiences to secure a top-10 finish, something that has eluded him in his previous Xfinity outings.
Rajah’s journey in the NASCAR landscape is nothing short of remarkable. He made his mark during the 2023 Truck finale at Phoenix Raceway, finishing 14th—his second-best result in the Xfinity Series. The upcoming race will be his 22nd career start in the series, and it’s clear that he’s eager to improve on his past performances. Caruth has previously struggled at Kansas, finishing outside the top-20 in two starts back in 2025, but he is ready to turn the tide.
He brings a wealth of experience to the table, having competed in 10 races across the ARCA Series, CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, and Xfinity Series at Kansas. His best finish at this challenging 1.5-mile oval came during an ARCA race in 2022, where he impressively secured second place. Reflecting on his journey, Caruth remarked, “I believe my experience accumulated over the last few years in the Truck Series, along with my partial Xfinity stuff, will position me to run up front and hopefully have a good race.” His admiration for the track is evident as he noted, “Kansas is a track I’ve loved since the first time I was there in ARCA. The creativity you can have will show at a track like that.”
With seasoned crew chief Adam Wall guiding the No. 17 team to two wins this season at Bristol and Charlotte, the stage is set for Caruth to make an impactful return. His recent successes have not only elevated his status but have also made him a beacon of hope for diversity in the sport—he is only the third African-American driver to clinch a national series race win, following the legends Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace.
Currently ranked eighth in the 2025 Truck playoff standings, Caruth holds a slim 14-point lead above the cutoff line as he approaches a critical elimination race. After snagging his second career victory in Nashville, the pressure is on as the field prepares to narrow from 10 to eight drivers. The stakes are high as he heads into New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a venue where he has yet to race.
Next week, Caruth will join an elite lineup of drivers in the Xfinity Series, including notable names like Corey Day, Alex Bowman, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Jake Finch. As the anticipation builds for the Kansas race, all eyes will be on Rajah Caruth as he looks to capitalize on this golden opportunity and etch his name further into the annals of NASCAR history. Will he rise to the occasion and secure that coveted top-10 finish? Fans and critics alike are eager to find out!
