Rajah Caruth claims facing Cup drivers ‘elevate’ Truck pros despite getting their ‘teeth kicked in’

When Rajah Caruth scored a well-earned win at Nashville last week, the Spire Motorsports driver wasn't just celebrating his second career triumph. He was also embracing the learning curve that comes with racing against NASCAR Cup Series stars.

Speaking on the Rubbin' is Racing podcast ahead of Michigan weekend, the 22-year-old explained why he welcomes Cup drivers in the Truck Series, despite the obvious challenge.

"I love racing with Cup guys. I think it just makes us better. Even if we get our teeth kicked in, I think it just makes us better. I learned a lot racing with them guys and, being teammates with like Kyle Busch and William (Byron) and stuff like that, it's been great to just lean on those guys and learn," Caruth said. (1:19:16 onwards)

The comments come amid renewed debate about the influence of Cup drivers appearing in the Truck Series this year. While critics argue their presence disrupts the competitive balance, Rajah Caruth sees it as a golden opportunity for growth.

Through the first half of the 2025 season, multiple Cup Series drivers have rotated through the Truck Series. William Byron, Kyle Busch, Michael McDowell, and Justin Haley have all taken turns behind the wheel, with Spire Motorsports' No. 07 entry. Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Ross Chastain have also dipped into Truck action, dominating and providing a benchmark for young talents.

Rajah Caruth (L) and Kyle Busch in Las Vegas. Source: Getty

This is especially relevant for Spire Motorsports, whose Truck Series program has grown significantly as they run four full-time or part-time entries in 2025. While the Nos. 07 and 7 Silverados rotate Cup and Xfinity drivers, No. 71 is Caruth's full-time seat, and No. 77 is driven by Mexico's Andres Perez de Lara.

Caruth, now in his third full-time Truck season, reiterated how crucial these top-tier matchups are:

"Anytime you can race with guys that are Sunday contenders, it's going to elevate you. Especially if you're around them on the racetrack. So, definitely love when Cup guys race in the Truck Series. You're able to learn a lot. It's a great opportunity and a lot of fun." (1:19:34 onwards)

Starting this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, Spire has added Corey LaJoie to the mix, who will pilot the No. 07 in nine Truck races this campaign. The move is aimed at capturing the Owner’s Championship and adds further Cup-caliber depth to Spire’s already robust Truck effort.

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Rajah Caruth banks crucial Nashville win ahead of Michigan Truck showdown

Rajah Caruth at Nashville Superspeedway. Source: Getty

Rajah Caruth registered his second career win in the Truck Series during the last event at Nashville Superspeedway. He led the final 51 laps consecutively to hold off Corey Heim and clinched the Rackley Roofing 200. The win not only gave Caruth his first of the season but also locked him into the Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs.

He currently sits 10th in the Truck Series standings with 330 points. Next up, the Truck Series shifts to the high-speed Michigan International Speedway, for the DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 on Saturday, June 7, at noon ET. Caruth, who qualified 13th, was excited to race at the track, as he said in the Rubbin' is Racing podcast:

"Michigan's fun. It's super fast. It's a two-mile racetrack, one of the biggest ovals that we go to. Especially, with the truck racing, you're going to see guys going so fast at the end of the straightaway, fanning out, pushing each other. Hopefully not too many wrecks, but you may see a few. I'm excited because it's a good balance of handling, but you also have the drafting of a Daytona or Talladega." (1:17:24 onwards)

The 125-lap (250-mile) race will challenge drivers on one of the fastest ovals on the calendar, where managing air, drafting, and timing pit cycles is key. In many ways, Michigan may present an even stiffer test than Nashville for Rajah Caruth.