A raging fanbase is the core of NASCAR. Over two decades of stellar motorsports achievements, Tony Stewart has that kind of clout. But even ‘Smoke’ himself was blown away by a rising phenomenon recently. Cleetus McFarland rose to fame via YouTube first, garnering 4 million subscribers. But then he wove his way into his passion – racing – with a thunderous reception by NASCAR fans.

McFarland, known legally as Garrett Mitchell, made his NASCAR debut earlier this year in the No. 30 Ford under Rette Jones Racing in the ARCA Series. So far, he has got off to a slow start. However, he still made Tony Stewart’s jaws drop with his other achievements.

Tony Stewart lauds a rising star

Well, before Cleetus McFarland appeared in NASCAR, he left a mark on people’s hearts. Last year in September, tropical storm Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across North Carolina. Cleetus McFarland teamed up with Greg Biffle – former NASCAR legend who accrued 19 Cup Series race wins – and embarked on a rescue mission. McFarland and his wife Madi Mitchell availed their personal helicopter to rescue stranded people and deliver food and medical supplies. This noble action itself shot up respect for McFarland in the NASCAR world – and Tony Stewart was left gaping at his special talents.

The three-time Cup Series champion appeared in a video with Bubba Clem on the Bubba Radio Network. McFarland’s versatile talents, which resembled Stewart’s own versatility across racing disciplines, impressed Tony Stewart. Smoke said, “He’s got his persona. But keep in mind this guy has his pilot’s license. He’s got his helicopter pilot’s license. You aren’t going to be a dumb*** and do things like that. He knows how to have a great time, he knows how to entertain people. It’s just fun to know him.”

Tony Stewart was also enthralled by the fanbase McFarland has garnered by doing what he loves. “Here’s a guy that has found a fanbase and found a way to do the stuff he loves to do and let people enjoy it. And he’s getting paid for it.” Stewart also got together with McFarland for a high-octane ‘Hard Park the Spark’ challenge recently, starring in the YouTuber’s video.

McFarland made his debut in 2022, racing in the Stadium Super Trucks Series. He picked up a best finish of third place at Bristol Motor Speedway. Bubba Clem chimed with Stewart, lauding McFarland’s value: “He is an absolute brilliant marketer, he’s great for all aspects of racing… He does tour destructions… burnouts.”

Cleetus McFarland enthralled another NASCAR veteran besides Tony Stewart. He divulged his growing NASCAR plans with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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No plans to fall back

Well, Cleetus McFarland‘s NASCAR debut was not impressive, with the usual rookie skid marks. He made his first ARCA Menards Series start at Daytona International Speedway. Due to a rain-battered qualifier, he rolled off to a 23rd-place start. It did not take long for the first chaotic encounter. On lap 12, McFarland crossed paths with the No. 70 of Amber Balcaen. The latter got loose and contacted his car. The second incident again involved the same driver and McFarland plowed into Balcaen’s car. That marked the end of his big debut day. However, McFarland turned up with his usual cheerful self in front of the interviewers and even paid a visit to the FOX broadcasting booth.

More interestingly, Dale Earnhardt Jr also called him into an episode of the Dale Jr. Download. The two-time Daytona 500 winner asked the rising star about his plans. Cleetus McFarland’s answer was not affected by the battered, smoking trouble that he engaged in at Daytona. He declared that he is coming back to Talladega – a racetrack where Dale Jr. owns 6 victories. McFarland said: “Yeah, I’m goin to Dega… We’re good for Dega—and we’re actually building some content around it on the YouTube channel that’ll that’ll cover it.”

So, Tony Stewart and other NASCAR stalwarts would have more chances to marvel at Cleetus McFarland. The latter already has a passionate fanbase – let us see where it rises with his NASCAR career.