Cleetus McFarland’s love affair with NASCAR didn’t just appear overnight. Die-hard fans will know he’s been burning rubber for years. Long before he was lighting up YouTube with wild builds and screaming bald eagle power, Cleetus, aka Garrett Mitchell, was a diehard fan, soaking in the sights and sounds of stock car racing from the grandstands. Whether it was taping homemade races with toy cars or showing up trackside with an American flag in hand, his passion for racing ran deep.

Over time, that passion morphed into reality. He moved from the digital world to the driver’s seat, mixing adrenaline with ambition in everything from oval track late models to ARCA rides. And now, even the NASCAR garage is starting to notice. Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman recently stepped up to offer serious praise for the ARCA Series’ latest star.

Alex Bowman defends Cleetus McFarland’s racing journey

Cleetus McFarland and Alex Bowman have known each other for a long time. They share a supportive and friendly relationship rooted in mutual respect. Bowman has offered McFarland valuable racing advice, helping him transition into stock car racing. At the Talladega weekend, Bowman provided an honest and unfiltered take on Cleetus McFarland’s racing progress.

McFarland made his ARCA debut at the Daytona race and immediately caught everyone’s attention with his viral post-race interview. Under the tutelage of Greg Biffle, McFarland has proven himself as a talented driver and put on a strong showing at Daytona, despite his race ending in a DNF. When asked about Cleetus McFarland’s transition into the NASCAR world by FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Alex Bowman didn’t mince words. “Obviously, he’s a YouTuber, but he also drives a lot of stuff,” Bowman said. Cleetus’ journey has been anything but traditional, but he’s no stranger to serious racing. From Freedom Factory battles to late model appearances, Cleetus has been slowly stacking real track experience alongside his massive online following.

The YouTuber-turned driver was piloting helicopters to drop supplies over the torrid areas of North Carolina, along with Greg Biffle, when Hurricane Helene struck. He is an experienced pilot, and it’s no surprise that he’s a great racecar driver. At Talladega, he experienced one of his engines blow up, and despite that, he managed a top-10 finish!

Bowman pointed out that Cleetus has been smart about how he’s learning the ropes. “He’s got a lot of people helping him,” Bowman noted. Among those lending a hand is none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr., who recently helped Cleetus prep for Talladega qualifying. Their collaboration highlights how much respect Cleetus is earning behind the scenes. He’s not just riding a YouTube wave, but seeking advice from NASCAR royalty.

Bowman also praised Cleetus McFarland’s quick climb up the competitive ladder, saying, “He jumped ARCA pretty quick with pretty low circle track experience.” That’s no exaggeration. Cleetus has run just two ARCA Menards Series races. First, at Daytona and now at Talladega. Yet, he’s already showing his potential to make an impact in the world of stock car racing with rapid improvements each time, but what stands out most is his larger-than-life persona. Bowman acknowledged the elephant in the room: “I think some people probably look at his personality or the character that he is and want to use that to not take him seriously,” he said. Cleetus’ YouTube antics, from wild burnout contests to building jet-powered go-karts, may be pure entertainment. But on the track, it’s a different story.

Ultimately, Bowman summed it up best: “I think when it comes to being serious, like, he does everything the right way.” Beyond the jokes and patriotic catchphrases like “rippin’ around Daytona like a bald eagle,” Cleetus approaches racing with genuine dedication. His professionalism, eagerness to learn, and rapidly growing experience make it clear – he’s no gimmick. He’s here to prove he belongs.

Trending

1

Richard “The King” Petty’s Hall of Famer Crew Chief Unleashes Truth Behind Championship Wins and Relentless Pit Decisions

2

Ex-NASCAR Champion & Motorsports Hall of Famer’s Death Leaves Racing World Mourning

3

“Straight Up Race Manipulation” – Fans Accuse NASCAR of Cheating After Controversial Talladega Photo Finish

4

Jeff Gordon Mourns Death of ‘Most Trusted’ Partner, Sharing Heartfelt Tribute for the NASCAR’s Unsung Legend

5

Tony Stewart’s NHRA Success Triggers Wild 9-Word Verdict From NASCAR Insider Amidst Bold Declaration

McFarland impresses everyone with his Talladega performance

Cleetus McFarland turned heads and won respect at Talladega Superspeedway with a gritty, impressive run in the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 200. After a tough debut at Daytona, where he was swept up in multiple incidents, McFarland arrived at Talladega determined to show he belonged among the sport’s rising stars.

Driving the No. 30 Ford Mustang for Rette Jones Racing, McFarland started deep in the field due to owner points but quickly proved he was more than just a content creator. He navigated the 77-lap, 202-mile race with patience and smart drafting, and despite a blown engine, he avoided the chaos that often defines Talladega. His preparation, bolstered by advice from NASCAR veteran Greg Biffle, paid off. He ran a clean, competitive race and steadily moved forward, ultimately finishing in the top half of the field.

The 10th-place finish was a career-best for Cleetus McFarland, an impressive feat for only his second ARCA start. His performance drew praise from competitors and fans alike, with veteran Max Papis telling Frontstretch, “He’s just a bad— racecar driver, that he fakes to be a YouTuber. I don’t think he’s the opposite. … He’s an amazing person outside the car, inside the car. … Just wanted to give him my support and my love.” After climbing out, McFarland was greeted by Greg Biffle, who was equally impressed and happy with his result, saying, “I think he’s got the knowledge now and the ability that he can put the car in a place where he can win.”

Beyond the results, Cleetus McFarland’s infectious enthusiasm and humility resonated throughout the garage. His journey from viral videos to superspeedway survival earned him new fans and cemented his reputation as a legitimate racer. At Talladega, Cleetus didn’t just impress. He proved he’s a force to watch in the world of stock car racing. Do you want to see more of Cleetus McFarland in NASCAR? Let us know in the comments!