All jokes aside, nobody can say that the 2025 ARCA Menards Series isn’t chock full of personality! One of the most interesting personalities in today’s ARCA race at Daytona was that of YouTube sensation, Cleetus McFarland. Garrett Mitchell, known professionally as Cleetus McFarland, made he debut in the ARCA Menards Series today at the World Center of Racing and it was a big learning experience for the young superstar. McFarland had a fast Ford number 30 but a pair of incidents ended his race prematurely. He ultimately finished 30th with a DNF.
After qualifying yesterday was scrubbed due to rain, the starting lineup was set by yesterday’s practice session. This led to Cleetus McFarland rolling off in the 23rd position, not bad for his debut. But it didn’t take long for McFarland to receive his rookie skid marks. His first incident of his very eventful day occurred on Lap-12 coming out of turn-4. In either of the incidents he was caught up in today, Cleetus did nothing wrong; he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. This crash in particular broke out when the number 70s of Amber Balcaen got loose and collected McFarland as well as other cars.
McFarland’s number 30 Ford was then sent to the inside wall where he made the lightest contact with the inside was. He was able to continue. Check out this accident.
His day was officially over just a few laps later in a second incident which included the 70 of Amber Balcaen. She again got loose and spun right in front of McFarland. There was nowhere for him to go and he plowed into the side of her car. With a totaled number 30 Ford, his day was officially over. Check out the incident below.
Though his debut at Daytona was far from ideal, Garrett Mitchell was in good spirits after he was checked and released from the infield care center. He stated in his FOX Sports interview that he was “rippin around Daytona like a bald eagle”. This was a dream come true for McFarland and hopefully we’ll get to see him showcase his talents again in the near future. That said, with this DNF, he is credited with a 30th place finish.
After getting cleaned up and putting on the smell-good, Cleetus McFarland went up to the FOX Sports booth to talk about his experiences today.
What did you think of Cleetus McFarland’s NASCAR debut, race fans? Let us know! Do you think he’ll be back? Share us your thoughts by commenting on our posts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube!
Lionel Racing finally confirmed the first wave of 2026 NASCAR Authentics 1:64 scale diecast for Monday morning, with the line of retail-exclusive diecast featuring a new look for the new year.
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Chase Pistone, a former competitor on the short track racing circuit in addition to NASCAR’s National Series, has passed away. Pistone, now a successful Legends Car owner, was 42.
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Three races in, the 2026 season is finally starting to show its hand. COTA shifted narratives, exposed weaknesses, and raised new questions about contenders, pretenders, and everything in between.
From substitute drivers being forced into action to points gaps growing faster than expected, COTA delivered more than just a road course chess match. There were momentum swings, reputation hits, and at least one young driver stacking up enemies before stacking up results.
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