“Representation is so important.” This is what Rajah Caruth is carrying into the coming NASCAR weekend, a weekend that is all set to be a historic one in terms of representation for the sport. Because for the first time in NASCAR Xfinity Series history, two black drivers, Caruth and Jesse Iwuji, are set to compete in the same event.

In fact, Saturday’s race at Richmond Raceway will be the first time in two decades that two black drivers are competing alongside each other.

Ahead of the race, Caruth spoke about the importance of representation for minorities, his role models growing up, and how he is approaching the weekend.

“It’s especially important in racing for us minorities, just because, yes, we’ve got a lot of us behind the scenes … but the faces of the sport are the drivers, and so to have representation in that avenue, it’s extremely important,” Caruth said.

“Like, [with] how important [Cup Series driver] Bubba Wallace and [Formula 1 champion] Lewis [Hamilton] were to me as I grew up, seeing them do it made me believe that I could and chase my passion,” the Xfinity Series driver continued.

“So to not only be in the field myself, but to share it with Jesse, along with 38 other guys, it’s important and I know the responsibility that brings, and I welcome it.”

Bubba Wallace, the prime advocate for representation in NASCAR

There’s no denying that Bubba Wallace has sculpted the image of ‘more than a racecar driver’ at this stage in his career. However, many hold the opinion that the 23XI Racing driver has ‘suddenly’ become an activist for representation.

That simply isn’t the case.

Because the Talladega winner has been quite vocal about representation in sport for quite some time now. In a 2017 interview, Bubba Wallace said, “There’s not much diversity in the sport, so it has to be talked about by (us).”

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“We all carry that diversity flag with us, and you can count on one hand how many people that is, so it definitely needs to be talked about from the behind the wheel aspect.”

And his efforts have paid off. Just look at Rajah Caruth and Jesse Iwuji.

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