WSSU’s Rajah Caruth to Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway May 27
Winston-Salem State University has never shied away from carving the path forward. The university remains the first and only HBCU to have a motorsports management degree program. WSSU is now set to claim another monumental first. Sophomore Rajah Caruth will be the first professional driver in a NASCAR series to represent an HBCU. Caruth will be racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 27 as part of the Coca-Cola 600 weekend in Concord, N.C.
Caruth originally came to NASCAR as part of the Drive for Diversity program. In 2018, he was one of a dozen applicants ages 12-17 selected from a national pool to compete for four spots on the team. Caruth was the only racer who came from an iRacing background and had never set foot in a racecar until he was 16—very rare for NASCAR drivers. The Drive for Diversity Program aims to get more people of color and women participating in NASCAR, as they have been historically underrepresented in the sport.
To date, Caruth is one of only three professional Black drivers in a NASCAR series.
Over the past few years, Caruth has been making major waves in the racing circuit. He currently sits in first place in the National ARCA Menard Series, where he is a full-time driver representing Rev Racing located in Concord, N.C. He has also recently had significant finishes in Talladega, Phoenix, and Daytona.
“I learned the importance of HBCUs at an early age. My father went to an HBCU and is currently serving as a professor at Howard University, so I’ve been exposed to a culture and support system that is like no other. Being in WSSU’s Motorsports Management allows me to learn while doing what I love,” said Caruth.
WSSU’s Motorsports Management program was established in 2007. Students get a complete immersion into the industry with hands-on opportunities in operations, marketing, sponsorship, and event planning.
“WSSU is leading the way in motorsports. We’re one of only two programs in the state. Motorsports is a multi-million-dollar industry that encompasses a variety of career opportunities. Most students don’t think about motorsports needing doctors, nurses, social media strategists, or accountants. We’re opening the doors and exposing students to paths they never imagined,” said Dr. Clay Harshaw, associate professor of Motorsports Management.
To find out more about Rajah Caruth’s racing journey, please follow him on social @rajahcaruth_ and visit www.rajahcaruth.com.
Tickets for the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway are on sale now.
Racing Ram Night at Charlotte Motor Speedway – Featuring Rajah Caruth
We need every Ram’s support! In just a few weeks, you’ll have an opportunity to support our Racing Ram! Rajah Caruth will be driving in the ARCA Menard Series race of the Coca-Cola 600 weekend on May 27 in Concord, N.C. He’ll be driving the number 6 car.
Before the race, join us in Red Zone (Gate 6) at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for our Alumni Tailgate that alumnus Winston Robinson will host. Enjoy food, music, and festivities as we celebrate this historic moment. The event is open to all alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters. Afterward, join us in the stands in the WSSU section to cheer on Rajah.
Tickets are $25 and include race entry and the tailgate.
Racing Ram Night at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is presented by the Winston-Salem State University Foundation.
Racing Ram Night at the Charlotte Motor Speedway – Featuring Rajah Caruth - May 27
- Alumni Tailgate 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Gate 6)
- Driver Introductions 5:30 p.m.
- Race Start 6 p.m.
