Trackin’ Trucks: Rajah Caruth Makes History at Las Vegas

 

Credit: Chris Graythen

Rajah Caruth earned his first career Craftsman Truck Series win Friday night at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

Caruth, who started from the Pole Position, led 38 laps of the Victoria‘s Voice Foundation 200. He also won by a 0.851-second margin-of victory over Tyler Ankrum. 

Caruth is a graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program and the third African-American driver to win in one of NASCAR’s top national series divisions. He follows NASCAR Hall of Famer Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace. 

“It‘s surreal,” said Caruth. “Thanks so much to (sponsor) HendrickCars.com and Mr. H (Hendrick) for putting me in this thing all year, and with the men and women at Spire.

“So many people have helped me get to this point, and I can‘t believe it. I just stayed cool. We lost track position in little portions of the race, and we stayed in the game. … My guys got me a great stop, and we just executed”

Part of that execution was an early pitting decision made by Crew Chief, Chad Walter. Walter brought Caruth down on a different cycle than the rest of the field, which resulted in Caruth gaining a nearly two second lead once the remainder of the field made their stops. 

Several contenders chances were ruined on pit road, including Daytona-winner Nick Sanchez and last week’s winner, Kyle Busch. 

Sanchez was nabbed for speeding alongside Ty Majeski, who dominated the first half of the event. Busch was penalized for a safety violation   

Ankrum finished second, Corey Heim finished third, while Taylor Gray and Christopher Bell rounded out the top five. 

Christian Eckes finished sixth, Matt Crafton finished seventh, while Zane Smith, Grant Enfinger, and Majeski finished eighth through 10th place, respectively. 

A Look Ahead 

The Craftsman Truck Series have a week break before they head to Bristol Motor Speedway. 

Sanchez and Caruth are the only series regulars who have won this far, with Busch winning last weekend at Atlanta. 

Can a regular get it done at Bristol? Find out on Saturday, March 16th at 8 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.