Kyle Busch has openly criticized Cleetus McFarland’s recent two-year contract with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) to compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), scheduled to race at Rockingham and in superspeedway events this season. This development has stirred debate among fans and industry insiders about McFarland’s rapid ascent and readiness for this level of competition.
Busch, known for candid remarks about RCR, expressed skepticism during a media session at Phoenix Raceway, highlighting concerns about McFarland’s relative inexperience. Comparing McFarland’s race count unfavorably to his own 10-year-old son’s, Busch suggested that sufficient race experience is essential before taking on such challenges.
Busch Questions McFarland’s Racing Experience Compared to Peers
During the interview at Phoenix, Kyle Busch referenced the experience of established drivers as a benchmark. He noted,
“I mean, he just, I don’t know,”
continuing,
“I don’t know how many races he’s run. Denny Hamlin ran 10,000 before he got here, right? So, I don’t know if Cleetus has run 10 or not, but there’s definitely a need to having ample experience. My son has probably run more races than he has, and he’s 10 years old. You know what I mean? So, I don’t think that sits well with many of us.”
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
McFarland’s Racing Background and Controversy Over NASCAR Approval
Cleetus McFarland’s climb through the NASCAR ranks has been accelerated, raising questions about the sanctioning body’s approval process and RCR’s decision to commit to a multi-year deal with him. McFarland debuted in ARCA at Daytona in 2025, securing top-10 finishes at Talladega and Charlotte that same season, and posting a 17th place at Bristol. His brief Truck Series debut ended after an early spin and crash, resulting in a 37th place finish.
Despite mixed results, McFarland now has approval to race at Rockingham in the O’Reilly Series, which has added fuel to the ongoing discussion about whether drivers like him have developed sufficient skill and experience to compete safely and competitively at this level.
The Wider NASCAR Community Reacts to McFarland’s Rise
The situation surrounding McFarland’s promotion is emblematic of broader conversations within NASCAR about driver development and race readiness. Industry professionals and fans alike scrutinize the protocols for approving drivers for higher-tier races, especially when young or unconventional personalities enter the scene quickly.
Kyle Busch’s pointed comments reflect concerns shared by some veteran racers who believe careful progression and extensive experience are vital for both safety and the sport’s integrity. This controversy may prompt NASCAR and teams like RCR to reevaluate how emerging drivers are assessed and prepared for competitive racing at the national level.
.@KyleBusch says he would have liked to see Cleetus run more races before moving up.
“My son has probably run more races than he has, and he’s 10 years old.” pic.twitter.com/c8uRgv9pAh
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 7, 2026
