Menu
Silly season comes with a bit of baggage, including speculation, frequent breaking news, and, as always, fan conversation. This year one fan conversation is about which Chevrolet development driver, Rajah Caruth or Christian Eckes, could first get the call to the Xfinity Series.
Looking at the numbers alone, Eckes looks like a solid bet for a promotion. But Rajah has more experience at the Xfinity Series level than Eckes.
Driving for Alpha Prime Racing, Rajah would put up solid runs in the series in 2022 and 2023. This culminated in a race with Hendrick Motorsports at the Xfinity Series finale at Phoenix in 2023.
Since that race, Rajah earned a spot at Spire Motorsports and a Hendrickcars.com sponsorship. While a proven winner, Rajah’s relationship with Hendrick, a co-owner of JR Motorsports, could be the catalyst for Rajah moving up.
JRM is shopping for free agents after Sam Mayer’s departure and Brandon Jones’s rumored departure. To many fans, this is where Caruth slides into JRM. However, a more successful or seasoned talent could take away that spot.
If Caruth is truly in the Hendrick developmental cycle, the lack of a seat is why Caruth doesn’t get a full-time ride in the Xfinity Series. This potential lack of seats in the Hendrick system and experience are the biggest hurdles for Caruth.
Eckes has not had the smoothest ride through the Truck Series. A former Toyota Racing Development driver, Eckes struggled with an extended adjustment period compared to other TRD drivers.
After a disappointing season with ThorSport in 2022, Eckes moved to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing for 2023. Last season, he won three races and already has four wins in 2024.
Other than the lack of experience in the Xfinity Series, Eckes’ relatively extended developmental period in the Trucks could make potential teams hesitant to sign him.
Another suspected detraction for Eckes could be his lack of affiliation with any specific developmental program. That could be a positive for Eckes, as he could have plenty of Xfinity Series rides to choose from, or it could limit him to spots not reserved for program drivers.
As mentioned above, there is the JRM entry from Chevrolet alongside an open ride at Kauling Racing. That ride will be filled soon, but if Shane Van Gisbergen gets a call-up to the Cup Series, Eckes could have another option.
His past with TRD could provide an interesting opportunity. JGR currently has an open slot in the No. 18. and TRD has, on occasion, brought on former drivers after some time away, such as Chandler Smith, who spent one year at Kauling before returning to TRD.
While either driver’s future is unknown, both will eventually be in the Xfinity Series. Both may make the move simultaneously, while one could even beat the other for a job.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know your opinions on Discord or X, and don’t forget you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
