It has been quite the journey for Sage Karam, who at age 28 has already amassed plenty of racing experience in his career, mostly in IndyCar.
Karam famously missed his senior prom to qualify for the 2014 Indy 500 after winning the Indy Lights Championship in 2013. That was 10 years ago, and Karam's path since then has taken plenty of turns. From running full-time in IndyCar, to being an Indy-only driver, to stock-car racing, Karam has carved his own path.
Since entering IndyCar for the 2014 Indy 500, Karam has competed in just 25 IndyCar races in total, including the last nine 500s; in just the last three years, Karam is closing in on 25 NASCAR starts and it looks like he might be spending more time in stock cars in the future.
Karam first raced in NASCAR in 2021, when he drove in four races. A year later, he ran nine events; and last season, he made 12 starts. Throughout his short NASCAR career, Karam has driven for five teams.
For 2024, Karam has his biggest NASCAR opportunity yet. He will return to Sam Hunt Racing in a partial Xfinity Series schedule. Driving for Sam Hunt Racing, Karam achieved his best NASCAR result — a fourth-place finish in last year's Xfinity race at Road America.
According to Motorsport.com Karam will pilot the No. 26 CRC Auto Brakleen Toyota beginning at Daytona for the season opener, which will be Karam's 25th NASCAR start equaling his number of IndyCar starts.
Bring on @DAYTONA.
Introducing the red and green Brakleen machine?.Excited to kick off the 2024 season with @SageKaram and @CRCAuto in the #UnitedRentals300!#TeamToyota | #SHR26 |#CRCAuto pic.twitter.com/VZYCzMD8a6
— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) January 23, 2024
Karam will split the No. 26 ride with fellow journeyman driver Jeffery Earnhardt and he shared his thoughts about the opportunity on his X page.
Ready to go for Daytona! Excited to be back with @Team_SHR26 @CRCAuto @ToyotaRacing this year! Looking to build off of our success from last season to show what we can do? pic.twitter.com/RCfULeb2nt
— Sage Karam (@SageKaram) January 23, 2024
"Ready to go for Daytona!" Karam said. "Excited to be back with @TeamSHR26 @CRCAuto @ToyotaRacing this year! Looking to build off our success from last season to show what we can do."
With Jeffrey Earnhardt and Sage Karam racing the No. 26, Sam Hunt Racing's Xfinity team could be in for an exciting season.
