“2025 champ”: Fans react as Bubba Wallace’s prodigy extends NASCAR stay post breakthrough rookie season

Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace's protégé, Rajah Caruth, has solidified his future in NASCAR by signing a contract extension for the 2025 season. Wallace has been a guiding mentor throughout Caruth's career, and this milestone marks a promising step forward. Caruth's development under Wallace's mentorship is a key aspect of his journey in the sport.

Caruth achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in his NASCAR Truck Series career. Over 23 race starts, he delivered an impressive performance, securing 12 top-ten finishes and 5 top-five results piloting the #71 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports. Although he fell short of advancing to the Championship 4, Caruth, NASCAR's youngest Black driver, remains optimistic and confident about his potential for the upcoming season.

Caruth's contract extension includes HendrickCars.com as his primary sponsor for another season. NASCAR fans have shared excitement over the young driver, often referred to as Bubba Wallace's mentee, as he continues his journey in the Truck Series.

"2025 Champ I'm calling it now." a fan wrote

"Congratulations my man can’t wait to cheer you on." a fan said

"HECK YEAH!! One of my favorite truck drivers is back!!" a fan commented

"Sooo glad! Well deserved and congrats on your graduation 👨🏾‍🎓" another fan wrote

"Hell yea! Now announce Parker Retzlaff to the 77" a fan expressed

Meanwhile, one fan expressed their excitement using an image. The image read:

"Tip my hat off for that stupendous dub"

Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace also signed a multi-year contract extension with his team 23XI Racing starting in 2025. The 2024 Cup Series season was not how Wallace must have planned as the #23 driver failed to make it to the playoffs, while also being sanctioned a few penalties throughout the season. However, despite 23XI competing as open entries next season, Wallace would be looking to revive his standards and exceed his expectations.

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"It is great to have a home": Bubba Wallace's prodigy driver Rajah Caruth reflects on securing Truck Series contract extension

Spire Motorsports Truck Series driver Rajah Caruth nearly made it to the Championship Race at Phoenix in his debut season with Spire. Caruth has impressed the NASCAR fraternity with his speed and skill, which definitely played its part in his contract.

Caruth expressed gratitude towards Spire Motorsports' owners, thanking them for enabling him to continue with the team. He highlighted the value of working in a stable environment to grow his career.

“It is great to have a home and stability heading into next year. I believe this is the first time in my career I won’t be with a new team or competing in a different series at the start of the season. I really appreciate the opportunity Jeff (Dickerson) and T.J. (Puchyr) have given me, and I’m excited to continue preparations for 2025." Caruth said via a press release

The Truck Series will return on Valentine's Day for the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Catch the race live at 7:30 PM Eastern Time on MRN, FS1, and SiriusXM.