Photo: Chris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth landed in the history books after he claimed victory in the Victoria's Voice Foundation 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Friday (March 1). The 21-year-old racing star became the third Black driver to win a national series race, joining Hall of Famer Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace, according to ESPN.
Caruth, who's an alumnus of NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program, called his historic win "surreal" in a post-race interview with FOX Sports, thanking sponsors and his team Spire Motorsports.
"Can't thank my family enough," he added. "So many people have helped me get to this point, and I can't believe it."
Earlier that day, Caurth secured victory and overtook Christian Eckes in the initial Truck Series pole, winning by 0.001 seconds. During the 62-lap green-flag race, NASCAR's youngest Black driver had his No. 71 Chevrolet pulled in early by crew chief Chad Walter.
According to reporters, this allowed Caruth to snatch the lead on Lap 114. He beat Tyler Ankrum by 0.851 seconds, leaving the esteemed driver the runner-up in the race. Cory Heim finished third with seven points trailing Ankrum.
"I just stayed cool. We lost track position in little portions of the race, and we stayed in the game," Caruth said. "My guys got me a great stop, and we just executed."
Wallace congratulated Caruth on his major triumph in an elated social media post.
"What a massive win for the little bro! What a monumental win for our sport!" the NASCAR legend wrote. "Proud is an understatement!"
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