Virginia Union University just got a serious upgrade, thanks to NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth and tech giant Microsoft. On Aug. 9 during NASCAR’s Race Weekend, Caruth rolled into the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center with a state-of-the-art driving simulator in tow, ready to shift VUU’s educational resources into high gear.

The simulator, which was officially presented during a press conference, is more than just a flashy piece of tech—it’s a game-changer for VUU students. This dynamic tool will give them hands-on experience with cutting-edge automotive technology and engineering, offering a sneak peek into the fast-paced world of motorsports.

“It’s been an absolute thrill to collaborate with Microsoft on this,” said Caruth, who’s making waves in the NASCAR Truck Series. “This simulator is close to my heart—it’s how I started my journey in racing. Now, I’m pumped to see the students at VUU get the chance to dive into the world of motorsports, just like I did.”

Caruth was in town for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond Raceway. He placed 17th in the race and is ranked fifth among points-eligible drivers in the national standings.

“The thing about racing that is special is that it is an equalizer compared to other sports ... It just matters the work you put in and and how well you do as a driver ... it does not matter who you are or where you are from,” said Caruth, a senior at Winston-Salem State University.

As part of the partnership, 15 lucky VUU students attended NASCAR Race Weekend on Aug. 10, where they scored exclusive access to the garage and pit areas. It was a golden opportunity to witness the high-octane action behind the scenes of professional racing.

“This simulator isn’t just another addition to our campus — it’s a bold step forward,” said Hakim J. Lucas, president and CEO of VUU.

“This transformative tool is going to supercharge our students’ learning experience.”

Lucas emphasized that the high-tech gift is part of VUU’s broader strategy to push the envelope in education and technology, arming students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.