HBCU Alum Rajah Caruth Secures Top-10 Finish at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Winston-Salem State University graduate Rajah Caruth kicked off the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season with a strong performance at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. The 23-year-old driver, who is making his debut in the Xfinity Series with powerhouse team JR Motorsports, finished an impressive 10th place in the United Rentals 300 on February 14th, collecting valuable early-season points.

Caruth, who started the race in the 7th position, showcased his impressive skills behind the wheel, leading 1 lap and earning stage points, including a 5th place finish in Stage 2. Despite facing late-race adversity when he suffered a cut tire and spun on the backstretch, the young HBCU alum managed to keep his car running and salvage a top-10 result, a strong start to his Xfinity Series campaign.

Caruth, who made the transition from the NASCAR Truck Series to the more competitive Xfinity Series, noted the difference in the level of precision and skill required at the Daytona superspeedway.

"In the Trucks, you can kind of just hit the guy and be fine, but here you really have to square them up to push and move forward.



By the second stage, I got more comfortable and started trying to be aggressive. The No. 2 and the 21 read what I was doing, though, so I've got to study that and see how I can do better next time."

Despite the pressure of taking over the iconic No. 88 car, which combined for 10 wins in 2025, Caruth remained unfazed, stating that he felt no added pressure and was simply focused on driving his best. This level-headed approach and unwavering confidence will undoubtedly serve him well as he continues to make his mark in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

As the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway, Rajah Caruth leaves Daytona with momentum and a solid points foundation, ready to build on his impressive start and showcase the talent and determination of HBCU student-athletes on the national stage.

HBCUConnect.com Perspective: Rajah Caruth's top-10 finish at Daytona International Speedway is a remarkable achievement that underscores the immense talent and potential of HBCU student-athletes. As a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Caruth's success in the competitive NASCAR Xfinity Series serves as an inspiration to the entire HBCU community, proving that these institutions continue to produce exceptional athletes who can compete at the highest levels of their respective sports. Caruth's performance not only highlights the strength of HBCU athletic programs but also showcases the diverse paths to professional sports that are available to students from these institutions. This story resonates with the HBCU community, reminding us of the limitless possibilities that exist for our student-athletes and the pride we take in their accomplishments.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.