From YouTube Sensation to NASCAR Hopeful: “Cleetus McFarland” Gears Up for Daytona Debut
A racing influencer known to millions as “Cleetus McFarland” is poised to redefine his public image, potentially trading his long-held “YouTuber” label for that of a NASCAR driver. The transition began unexpectedly last week when a fan identified McFarland as a NASCAR competitor during a dinner outing – a first for the popular online personality.
A New Identity Takes Shape
“I’ve been called a YouTuber forever,” McFarland told The Associated Press on Thursday. “I was like, ‘Awwwe. That’s sooo much better.’” The sentiment reflects a growing ambition as McFarland prepares for his Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night, followed by an ARCA Series race the next day. He hinted at further racing endeavors in the near future, with details expected to be released shortly.
Building Momentum: Past ARCA Experience
McFarland isn’t a complete newcomer to the world of stock car racing. He participated in four ARCA Series races in 2025, starting with the season opener at Daytona. While an early crash 17 laps into that race garnered attention – and a bold self-assessment (“I felt like the best racer there ever was” for some of his driving moves) – he demonstrated improvement with a 10th-place finish at Talladega, ninth at Charlotte, and 17th at Bristol.
This prior experience is expected to be advantageous on the challenging high banks of Daytona. “I feel a little more comfortable,” he explained. “Last year, I couldn’t even get to the garage. I’m like, ‘Where the hell is my car even at?’ Now, I know where to go. I know some familiar faces. I know the track, so I feel a lot better.”
A Star-Studded Field and a Welcomed Mentor
McFarland will be among 36 drivers competing in a highly anticipated Truck Series event at Daytona, sharing the track with racing legends like three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, X Games and RallyCross star Travis Pastrana, and five regular competitors from the Cup Series. Stewart, nicknamed “Smoke,” is instrumental in Ram’s return to the Truck Series.
“I love Smoke,” McFarland said enthusiastically. “To go hang out with him and hopefully get to hit his bumper at some point, I’m wound up.” McFarland and Pastrana are teammates at Niece Motorsports, with sponsorship from Black Rifle Coffee and Brunt Workwear. McFarland recently secured NASCAR superspeedway clearance after a test session at Rockingham Speedway on Tuesday, entering Daytona with renewed confidence.
Learning from Experience and Embracing Risk
“My expectations are much higher this year,” McFarland stated. “I understand when and where risk matters. Last year, I ended up falling out (of the draft) because someone was spinning out in front of me and I kept trying to push it and get around them to not lose the field. Now I would just be like, ‘There’s a caution coming anyway. Just stop. This is so stupid.’ So, I’m learning.”
Pastrana, who has previously raced against McFarland in YouTube-focused events like the Freedom 500, recognizes his teammate’s talent. “Cleetus always downplays his driving skills, but he’s a wheel man,” Pastrana said. “He can wheel anything.”
A Tribute to a Fallen Friend
Both McFarland and Pastrana will honor the memory of Greg Biffle with special truck designs. Biffle, a NASCAR icon, tragically passed away in December following a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. He was a nominee for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and a celebrated driver for 18 years.
“Be Like Biff” is emblazoned on their truck beds, featuring Biffle’s No. 16 with a halo above it. McFarland even playfully cut Pastrana’s shirtsleeves off during a media event on Thursday, a gesture inspired by Biffle’s style. “I wouldn’t be here without Biff,” McFarland shared, having delivered a eulogy at Biffle’s funeral. “We’re representing. I never really talked to him about trucks, unfortunately. This would have been so cool. He would have been so stoked that we’re doing this. He was actually going to race with us. He was going to race ARCA with me here this weekend. I imagine he would have found a truck. It would have been sick. But we’re representing Biff out here. If I do anything dumb, it wasn’t something Biff taught me. But I’m going to use everything else he taught me to hopefully do well.”
McFarland’s journey from online personality to aspiring NASCAR driver is a testament to his determination and a poignant tribute to a beloved figure in the racing community. He hopes to solidify his new identity, and perhaps, finally be known as a NASCAR driver.
Worth a look
