The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: Rajah Caruth Talks NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race, HBCU Pride, Authenticity, Bubba Wallace + More
Mar 19, 2026
Rajah Caruth, NASCAR driver and HBCU grad who rose from sim racing to the national series. He talks about transitioning from virtual to real racing. He describes team dynamics, race prep, safety, and dealing with burnout. He shares HBCU pride, mentorship from Bubba Wallace, branding choices, and plans for the Darlington race.
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Prepare For NASCAR's Combine Requirements
- Do build broad driver skills beyond lap times; NASCAR's combine tests physicality, press handling and team communication.
- Rajah succeeded in the 2019 NASCAR development combine by demonstrating those off-track traits.
Identity Shaped His Racing Path
- Starting late and being one of the few Black drivers made entry harder but pushed Rajah to embrace identity and perseverance.
- He moved from D.C. to North Carolina at 18 and was often the youngest and only person who looked like him.
Bubba Wallace Mentored Rajah
- Bubba Wallace acted as a mentor and supporter from Rajah's first regional race, providing guidance despite driving for different manufacturers.
- Rajah calls Bubba 'big bro' and credits him with helping subsequent Black drivers avoid some earlier struggles.