Two of the Most Popular NASCAR Drivers Are Not Happy with Cleetus McFarland’s Recent Promotion
What’s Happening? This past week, the NASCAR world has pushed back and forth on their opinions on YouTube star Cleetus McFarland’s…
Cleetus McFarland pushed back at criticism of his recent signing with Richard Childress Racing to race in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, calling the move a “no-brainer” for any driver, no matter their experience.
Cleetus McFarland’s entry into this weekend’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race has brought a storm to the garage area, with media and veteran drivers questioning NASCAR’s driver eligibility rules, given his limited experience behind the wheel.
Some have reasoned that the sole reason McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, got this opportunity is because of his massive YouTube fanbase, which he has built over the years. As the clock ticks down to his debut at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, McFarland has stepped up to face the music.
What’s Happening? This past week, the NASCAR world has pushed back and forth on their opinions on YouTube star Cleetus McFarland’s…
Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the YouTuber turned driver made it clear he knew the hornet’s nest he was walking into.
“I get it. From the outside in, it’s like, why does this guy get to race in the O’Reilly Series? Here’s the deal, if anyone got the call from Richard Childress, that’s my age and a race car driver, wanting to be a race car driver, and said, ‘Hey, do you want to come run our car?’ I mean, it’s a no-brainer to say yes. How could I turn that opportunity down?” — Cleetus McFarland
Mitchell went a step further in laying out his stance.
“If NASCAR is going to let me do it, then here I am,” Mitchell said. “So yes, it’s reasonable to question that. But, for me, I’m willing to embarrass myself time and time again. I don’t, I just do not care. I’m willing to learn, and I’m willing to put in the effort to make myself a reasonable competitor.”
In his view, turning down the offer would have made no sense. The door opened, and he walked through it, knowing full well it would ruffle feathers across the NASCAR world.
Mitchell has also accepted the baggage that comes with the ride. He knew that the path ahead would be lined with criticism and pressure, with no room to hide once the visor drops. And the O’Reilly Auto Parts grid is not a place where anyone gets time to find their feet.
Mistakes come to light in real time, and there is no safety net once the race begins. So he understands, “No one can save me while I’m out there in that race car.”
NASCAR, by its nature, is a results-driven arena, and judgment comes fast and in the open. But Mitchell has signed up for all of it, warts and all. For him, the approach is pretty straightforward: he has to deal with whatever comes with the opportunity.
The debut may go sideways; it may not, but he is willing to take that gamble and let the events happen, without trying to control or change them, regardless of the consequences.
What’s Happening? Cleetus McFarland’s debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Richard Childress Racing team has led to quite…
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