Last night, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series put together one heck of a race. Rajah Caruth had an entire highlight reel worth of moves and saves himself. It was one of those races that sticks with you after the finish for how it happened, and especially how it ended.
For those who know wheel, you already know that Rajah Caruth is that dude. He doesn’t have as many wins and accolades as others. However, he is a student of the sport, learns, improves, and so far this season he’s second in points.
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I’m not sure if it was the move to the bottom of the track to clear for the lead or if was the save after getting loose in Turn 2. Maybe it was the way he dove down and avoided a wreck that happened feet in front of him? Or it could have been the second save on that flat tire late in the race? Perhaps it was Caruth’s ability on the final restart to go from about 18th to 8th in a matter of six laps? Whatever it was, Mark Martin liked what he saw.
Rajah Caruth prepares to qualify at Daytona. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
((Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images))
“Today [Rajah Caruth] made a fan for life out of me,” Martin posted after the race. “Some of the most car control I’ve seen in all my years. I wonder if he listens to any [Gucci Mane] if not I’ve got a playlist to share.”
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Coming from Mark Martin, a Hall of Famer and all-time great in NASCAR, is a massive compliment. Rajah Caruth didn’t get the win, but he was the story of the race. It wasn’t just one moment that made fans’ eyes wide. Caruth did it time and time again throughout the race.
This season, Caruth is racing for the Driver’s Championship. He has a bulk of races in the No. 88 car at JR Motorsports. However, he will be making starts in the No. 32 car during the regular season as well. Right now, he’s second in points and is looking like a much more mature and experienced driver than he was a few months ago at Phoenix in the Truck Series.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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