In the world of motorsports, few names command the kind of respect that Tony Stewart does. With a glittering career spanning over two decades, Stewart, affectionately known as ‘Smoke’, has seen it all. Yet, even he couldn’t resist being swept off his feet by a recent sensation in NASCAR, Cleetus McFarland.
McFarland, a YouTube sensation with a staggering 4 million subscribers, has found his way from the digital world into the heart of racing. His legal name is Garrett Mitchell, but he’s better known by his online moniker, which has become synonymous with his passion for racing. Despite a somewhat slow start in the No. 30 Ford under Rette Jones Racing in the ARCA Series, McFarland’s influence has been nothing short of transformative.
Before he even set foot on the NASCAR circuit, McFarland had already made a lasting impression. His empathy shone through when he teamed up with former NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who has a remarkable 19 Cup Series race wins under his belt, for a rescue mission during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Using his personal helicopter, McFarland, along with his wife Madi Mitchell, helped rescue stranded people and delivered essential supplies. This act not only won the hearts of many but also left Tony Stewart in awe of his multifaceted talents.
In a video interview with Bubba Clem on the Bubba Radio Network, Stewart sang praises of this rising star. He admired McFarland’s versatility, drawing parallels with his own diverse skill set across different racing disciplines. Stewart was quoted as saying, “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.”
Stewart also expressed admiration for McFarland’s ability to connect with fans and do what he loves while also earning a living from it. The two recently collaborated for a high-octane ‘Hard Park the Spark’ challenge, which was featured in one of McFarland’s YouTube videos.
McFarland’s debut in the Stadium Super Trucks Series was in 2022, where he achieved a respectable third-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway. His marketing prowess and entertaining stints, including tour destructions and burnouts, have not gone unnoticed, with Bubba Clem endorsing McFarland’s value to the sport.
McFarland’s growing influence has also caught the attention of another NASCAR veteran, Dale Earnhardt Jr. In a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. inquired about McFarland’s future plans. Even after a challenging debut at the Daytona International Speedway, marred by rain and accidents, McFarland remained undeterred. He announced that he is returning to Talladega, a racetrack where Dale Jr. has celebrated six victories.
With a growing fanbase and the respect of industry veterans like Tony Stewart, Cleetus McFarland is set to make more waves in the NASCAR world. His ongoing journey, which will be documented on his YouTube channel, is sure to keep fans and critics alike eagerly watching.
