On Friday morning, Rajah Caruth received his college diploma from Winston-Salem State University. His graduation gift coincided with earning his degree as Spire Motorsports announced that Caruth will return for a second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season in 2025. Sponsorship from HendrickCars.com which backed all 23 races this season was also re-signed.

In a later announcement, Spire representatives indicated that the lineup of the team and crew chiefs would be revealed soon. On February 14th, the Craftsman Truck Series will begin its 2025 season at Daytona International Speedway. The 22-year-old joined Spire full-time last season and their partnership began with a breakthrough victory on March 1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Now he celebrates another milestone in his life and his peers couldn’t be more happy for him.

Rick Hendrick-Backed Driver’s academic journey and racing success

WSSU’s Bachelor of Science degree in motorsports management attracted Rajah Caruth to the university as it is the only historically Black college or university (HBCU) and the only public university in North Carolina that offers it. At WSSU’s Fall Commencement Ceremony, he walked with nearly 600 other graduates. 

Rajah Caruth took to Instagram to share his graduation pictures and shared a very heartfelt message to his university as he went on to say, “Dear @wssu1892, Where to begin? From my first visit in 2019 before beginning my first year of racing in real-life, I knew this was going to be my school.” He thanked WSSU for transforming him from a “reserved and unconfident city kid” into a “confident and prepared young man.” While balancing coursework with his racing career was tough, he credited his support system, including family, coaches, professors, and classmates, for helping him succeed.

“It’s hard to believe that I’m finally done with school and am ready for ‘the real world,’ but I think I’ve already been in it for a few years,” Caruth wrote, adding that he will cherish memories like studying between classes and playing basketball on campus. “Being a student at Winston-Salem State has been the utmost honor.”

Over the past four years, Caruth has juggled an academic course load while competing full-time in a touring division. In total, he completed 120 course credit hours while making a combined 108 starts between the NASCAR Xfinity Series, CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, and various other events. “I’m glad to be done with school,” added Caruth. “It required a lot of hard work and sacrifice, along with diligent time management between coursework and everything associated with racing including team meetings, simulator time and travel.”

Caruth showed his gratitude towards Rick Hendrick for his constant support. “I’m thankful for everything Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick and all the great people at HendrickCars.com and Hendrick Automotive Group have done for me. I’m super thankful for their support and I’m ready to put on a show for them next year.” Caruth got an opportunity to drive for Rick Hendrick at Phoenix during the 2023 Xfinity Series and admitted it ‘felt like an audition‘. Well, he certainly passed that audition and is on his way to being a star.

NASCAR and NBA stars celebrate Caruth’s milestone

During his time at the university, the graduate achieved several accomplishments. Having participated in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program, he became the third Black driver to win a national series race. In 2021 he won the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award and in 2024, he was voted Most Popular Truck Series Driver. Prominent figures from both NASCAR and the NBA took time to celebrate Caruth’s accomplishment, turning his graduation into a moment of collective pride.

Leading the charge was NBA veteran Chris Paul who commented “Congrats!!” on Caruth’s Instagram post spotlighting the crossover support from the basketball world. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson added his subtle endorsement with a like on the post while racing icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. also showed his approval.

The Wendell Scott Foundation also commented on his post “Absolutely thrilled for you and all your amazing achievements! A huge congratulations on this milestone! 🎓” Caruth is certainly a role model for aspiring black athletes at just 22 years of age with his humble persona and awards to back it up.

Caruth’s fellow NASCAR drivers chimed in as well. Noah Gragson left a heartfelt message, “Proud of you dude,” showing how close the racing community is. Daniel Suárez added a series of clapping emojis, a simple yet meaningful acknowledgment from one of NASCAR’s most respected competitors. This shows Caruth’s growing influence in motorsports. Beyond his on-track performance, he’s earned admiration from sports figures across disciplines for balancing college and racing.