Professional NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth received a hero’s welcome in his mother’s hometown of Barrouallie, where he shared personal reflections on his career, the importance of education, and his excitement to reconnect with his Vincentian heritage.
Addressing a crowd of “new and old family,” Caruth expressed his joy at returning to the island for the first time since he was a toddler. “It’s great to be back. I’ve heard a lot of stories from my mom… the last time I was here, I really don’t remember. I was four or five years old,” Caruth shared.
He noted that his maternal roots are in Barrouallie and his paternal roots are in Stubbs, and he is eager to “create some new memories as an adult”,. Beyond family time, Caruth aims to use his visit to promote the island, stating, “hopefully i’ll get more people from the States to come down here and have a great trip like we’re about to have”.
Drawing on his background as a middle and high school track athlete who ran the 400m and 800m, Caruth offered advice to the local youth involved in sports. He emphasized that success is determined by what happens outside of formal practice.
“The real difference that you make is what you do on your personal time, whether it’s eating right, getting your sleep, or just putting in extra practice,” Caruth explained. He noted that this same discipline translates to the racetrack: “Everybody does team practices. It’s how you sell yourself apart and do the extra little things to be excellent”. He encouraged youngsters not to focus on accolades but on the “process and the craft,” asserting that the journey should be the primary driver of success.
Caruth, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Motorsports Management from Winston-Salem State University, spoke passionately about the value of academics. He argued that education provides more options and prepares individuals for life’s challenges, teaching essential skills like financial management and balancing responsibilities.
He was quick to credit his support system for his achievements, stating, “It takes a village… I mentioned my parents, my partner, my sister, friends, family, teachers, coaches. Never do it by yourself… because a village uplifts individuals”.
As only the third African-American driver to win a NASCAR National Series race, Caruth acknowledged the weight of his position in a sport where few people look like him,. “It’s important to me to continue to break that mold because I think it’s important to have representation in aspects of entertainment and sports, business, you name it,” he said. He revealed that his own passion was sparked by the movie Cars and that his career began in the world of online sim racing, similar to the story depicted in the Gran Turismo movie.
While he admitted he was “hoping there was bakes,” he was clearly enjoying the homecoming experience and the chance to “taste Vincy”.
Caruth, who recently placed second at the Iowa Speedway, currently has two Truck Series wins and continues to fly the St. Vincent and the Grenadines flag on the international stage
