With some strong backing from Virginia State University, Rajah Caruth is revved up and ready to hit the gas.

The 20-year-old sophomore at Winston-Salem State University will be competing Saturday, April 2, in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway.

It will be the first NASCAR race for Caruth, a native of Washington D.C.

He will be driving the No. 44 car bearing the VSU logo and orange and blue colors as he speeds around the track in the Toyota Care 250.

He is being sponsored by VSU and Alpha Prime Racing.

“At VSU, we are known for being a conduit for trailblazers,” VSU President Makola M. Abdullah said in a statement. “That’s why we are pleased to support our fellow HBCU student who is expected to make history this weekend.”

Caruth becomes only the third African-American to race in the Xfinity Series.

Race time is 1:30 p.m.

“We take pride in providing a pathway to greater for our VSU students, and we expect that the VSU-sponsored No. 44 car will be Mr. Caruth’s literal vehicle to continue on his road to greater successes,” Dr. Abdullah said.