The YouTube star-turned-NASCAR driver Cleetus McFarland is set to race with Richard Childress Racing. He will make his first appearance at Rockingham at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. 

This raised an eyebrow for many of the fans due to McFarland's lack of racing experience. The signing prompted RCR driver Kyle Busch to comment about how his 10-year-old son has more races under his belt.

While in an interview with Peter Stratta, the YouTube star was asked if he had seen the criticism he faces from some of the fans on social media.

“I mean, I think you know at this point that I'm pretty in tune with what's going on in the social media world,orld like, you know, this is my job," said McFarland. "My job is probably more similar to yours than closer to the drivers. I'm a social media guy, that's how I got into this position, so I see it a lot, and it's pretty close to Daytona when I had the biggest drop in the truck. I was feeling down about it. At this point, in the record is so broken that of peopare le still talking about it. I don't care as much.”

 Cleetus McFarland also went on to speak about how the same people who criticize him for taking up the opportunity are the same people who would have accepted the opportunity in a heartbeat if they were given the offer by Richard Childress and NASCAR. 

Criticism from NASCAR fans has also been because of how fast McFarland climbed up the racing ranks. He made his debut at the Daytona 500 in ARCA in 2025. This has also raised many questions about NASCAR’s approval process. 

However, McFarland has had a few fans, and drivers come to his aid. One of the drivers who has been vocal for McFarland is Kenny Wallace. 

Kenny Wallace defends Cleetus McFarland’s NASCAR approval to race.

The former driver Kenny Wallace, on his show “Coffee with Kenny,” spoke about how the NASCAR fans hate McFarland simply because he is famous and is a victim of the new society.

Wallace said, “Cleetus is a victim of the new quick movement. So everybody’s on there, giving their opinions. He doesn’t deserve this. They don’t deserve that. Listen, people. Cleetus has already put the work in," said Wallace.

Wallace also pointed out that it is only after racing that Cleetus McFarland will get enough experience. 

With Rockingham set to be his next race, McFarland will be gunning to prove his doubters wrong. He definitely does not lack passion for racing, but competing against drivers who have been doing this for over a decade is no easy task.

McFarland's contract is part-time, and if he puts in good performances, the YouTuber turned driver could surprise many and bag a full-time deal.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco