Despite efforts to diversify the sport, NASCAR has long struggled with a lack of diversity. Historically, the sport has been predominantly white and male, with few opportunities for females and people of color. Although there have been notable drivers such as Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace, they have been few and far between. However, there is another driver who has been making headlines and rising up the ranks.
Recently, during an interview with Bob Pockrass, Rajah Caruth was asked if he took advice from Wallace in navigating this vastly white-dominated sport.
Caruth stated, “I was thinking about that every day from I mean, relying on Bubba and asking about how he feels and at the same time looking at other athletes and various other sports to how they handle expectations and titles and kind of things said towards them and about them...”
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Furthermore, the Xfinity Series driver added, “I understand that I am a black man and I’m also a student-athlete. So I understand that responsibility and what I represent and honestly where I’m from and my background and I’m honored to represent who I represent. At the same time, I’m just as good as a driver as anybody.”
Rajah Caruth, a student at Winston-Salem State University, on how to handle being Black in a sport that has mostly white athletes.
Caruth: “I am honored to represent who I represent, and at the same time, I'm just as good a driver as anybody.” pic.twitter.com/IE3XnJOlfl
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2023
Rajah Caruth jokingly compares him to Peter Parker or Miles Morales
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As the interview progressed, he was asked what has been the reaction surrounding his peers and faculty. Asking if they have been supportive or not regarding his role as a racing driver.
Caruth revealed that he had been fortunate to have lenient teachers over the past three to three and a half years of school. They have enabled him to balance his education with his love for racing. Despite being a typical student on campus, he expressed gratitude for the support he had received from his friends, classmates, and teachers when it came to his racing pursuits.
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Caruth even playfully compared his situation to that of Peter Parker or Miles Morales from the Spiderman films—being able to lead a dual life as a regular student and a race car driver without arousing suspicion. This has allowed him to enjoy both aspects of his life equally. Though right after saying this, he mentioned that it wasn’t exactly true!