Cleetus McFarland, who recently transitioned from being a popular YouTuber to an ARCA Menards Series driver, made headlines with his strong performances at major tracks like Daytona and Bristol Motor Speedway this year. Carson Hocevar, a driver for Spire Motorsports, expressed admiration for McFarland’s enjoyable and competitive approach to racing during his debut season.
Carson Hocevar Highlights McFarland’s Enjoyable Racing Style
At the Bristol Motor Speedway race, McFarland started in 20th position and finished 17th, showcasing considerable skill for a newcomer. Hocevar praised McFarland’s enthusiasm and approach to the sport, noting their connection developed through shared interests in simulators like iRacing. Hocevar said,
I enjoy seeing his journey. We played iRacing or whatever. Kind of hit it off a little bit. I like to have fun, and I am jealous that he races Crown Vics as much as he does… I want to be successful on Sunday, but I envy his job of literally having fun every day.
—Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports driver
Hocevar also pointed out McFarland’s rapid adaptation to racing at Bristol, emphasizing that the YouTuber’s involvement in the sport extends beyond casual interest or seeking online views. McFarland demonstrated solid racecraft, notably avoiding a significant crash triggered by a collision involving Andrew Patterson and Takuma Koga early in the event.
Challenges Faced During the Bristol Race
For much of the race, McFarland maintained a steady performance, staying clear of major incidents. However, with over 20 laps remaining, he encountered a setback when a tire failure caused him to hit the wall. Despite the damage, McFarland returned to the pits without causing a caution and resumed racing seven laps behind the leader. Before the incident, he was competing for 15th place, but the tire issue dropped him further behind.
Is McFarland Building a Long-Term Racing Career?
Earlier in the season, McFarland secured a commendable 10th place finish at the Talladega Superspeedway, drawing respect from established drivers like Christopher Bell and Alex Bowman. Bell admitted to being unfamiliar with McFarland’s YouTube background but appreciated his fresh presence in the racing community. Bell remarked,
It’s refreshing whenever you get a guy like that. I don’t think he is trying to make a career out of this. Maybe one day he will, I don’t know. But he definitely does it in his own way, and I respect that.
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Bowman echoed similar sentiments about McFarland’s approach, noting the support he has received. He said,
I think he is going about things the right way. He’s got a lot of people helping him.
—Alex Bowman, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Across the board, McFarland is seen as a likable and easygoing personality who brings a refreshing energy to the intense atmosphere of NASCAR and ARCA racing. His genuine enthusiasm and adaptability have earned him recognition among seasoned drivers while adding a spirited dynamic to the series.
