Cool, calm, collected Rajah Caruth relishing 'unexpected' Nashville win

Caruth's 2025 season has been one of consistent inconsistency. After finishing 22nd or worse in three of the first four races, a stretch of four straight top-10s got the No. 71 team back into playoff contention. 

"I didn't expect (to win) tonight," Caruth said in his post-race news conference. "Coming into tonight, we were 21 points out (of the playoffs). I didn't feel any external pressure. I just know the importance of putting together clean nights."

Coming into Nashville, Caruth hadn't finished inside the top-five since Texas on May 2. But the No. 71 was a constant presence at the front of the pack in Music City, starting 10th and earning 16 stage points. 

When the pay window opened, Caruth didn't flinch. Despite two title favorites in Heim and Riggs doing their best to catch him, Caruth kept a cushion between himself and his challengers and coasted to victory. 

Caruth's win at Nashville broke a 32-race winless drought that dates back to his first career win at Las Vegas in March 2024. 

"It's a big deal to not be a one-win wonder," Caruth said. "A lot of guys win one race and that's it. I'm glad we put it all together tonight."