Cleetus McFarland, the YouTube star and rising racer, may soon take another leap in his motorsports career. Industry reports suggest McFarland—real name Garrett Mitchell—is being considered for a seat with a potential Ram-backed NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team if the manufacturer finalizes its return to the sport. If confirmed, the move would represent a notable shift in NASCAR’s approach to fan engagement, media outreach, and driver development.
From YouTube Fame to ARCA Contender
McFarland built a digital empire around American muscle cars, drag racing, and grassroots events, drawing more than 4 million subscribers to his YouTube channel. His ownership of a Florida short track and his signature event—the Freedom 500—have further connected him with the racing community.
In 2025, McFarland entered the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR’s developmental tier, driving the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing. His debut came at Daytona International Speedway, though an early-race incident cut his run short. Despite that, the race delivered massive viewership. The ARCA opener drew 1.16 million viewers on FOX, the most for the series since 2013—and more than the Truck Series pulled the same weekend. Much of that spike was credited to McFarland’s sizable online following.
He followed his Daytona debut with appearances at Talladega Superspeedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, earning a pair of top-10 finishes and turning heads with his steady growth behind the wheel.
Ram Eyes NASCAR Return
According to a report from Sports Business Journal, Ram—a brand under the Stellantis umbrella—has had discussions about joining the Truck Series. The brand previously competed in NASCAR under Dodge, which exited the sport after 2012.
Ram’s return would mark the first new manufacturer addition to NASCAR since Toyota joined in 2004. If finalized, Ram would compete against established brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota, bringing fresh competition and marketing potential to the Truck Series.
As Ram evaluates its strategy, McFarland has emerged as a strong candidate for its prospective team. His dual role as both driver and digital media influencer gives him unique value, especially for a manufacturer seeking to make a splash upon entry.
Influencer Meets Industry
McFarland’s blend of racing ambition and media savvy has caught the attention of key figures across NASCAR. During his ARCA debut, his content—featuring live streams, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews—reached millions in just days. His Daytona race recap surpassed 1.6 million views within four days. Additional content, including an interview with FOX Sports and a post-crash pit lane segment, attracted hundreds of thousands more.
NASCAR has taken notice. The sanctioning body featured McFarland in its promotional content and granted him unique access, including onboard streaming privileges during race weekends. His reach has helped NASCAR attract new fans while increasing visibility for series that often struggle for attention.
Measured Progress Toward the Top
Though interest in McFarland moving to the Truck Series is growing, he has made clear that he’s in no rush. In a conversation with Kevin Harvick, McFarland acknowledged the challenges of competing at NASCAR’s highest levels.
“Our original goal was the Daytona 500 in 2027,” McFarland said. “Now that I know just a smidge about NASCAR, I still think that might be too early. Them guys are on a whole another level.”
He also pointed to other drivers who advanced too quickly and struggled in the Cup Series, suggesting he wants to avoid repeating those mistakes. His thoughtful approach has earned him respect from both veterans and industry insiders, who see him as more than a short-term novelty.
A Strategic Fit for Ram
If Ram joins the Truck Series, pairing with McFarland could offer instant visibility and brand alignment. McFarland’s content frequently features American-made performance vehicles, and his following aligns with the audience Ram often targets: young, engaged, and performance-minded.
McFarland’s transparency, humor, and drive have made him a trusted voice among fans—qualities that manufacturers and sponsors increasingly value. A McFarland-Ram partnership could fast-track Ram’s relevance in NASCAR while giving McFarland the resources to grow as a racer.
Bigger Picture: NASCAR’s New Media Reality
McFarland’s journey also reflects a broader shift in how NASCAR connects with fans. As traditional television audiences decline, NASCAR and its partners are turning to digital influencers to bridge the gap. McFarland’s ARCA debut proved that influencers can boost ratings, generate buzz, and attract sponsors—all without sacrificing competitive integrity.
He isn’t alone. Other creators and athletes are also eyeing NASCAR as a viable platform. But McFarland’s success so far sets him apart as a case study in how digital reach can translate into on-track impact.
What’s Next?
McFarland is expected to continue running select ARCA races throughout 2025, possibly adding more starts depending on schedule and sponsorship. If Ram moves forward with its Truck Series program, an official announcement could come sometime in late 2025, setting the stage for a 2026 debut.
While nothing is confirmed, McFarland’s potential role is more than just speculation. Industry sources continue to connect him with Ram, citing both his media value and on-track growth.
Whether or not McFarland lands with Ram, his impact on NASCAR is already being felt. From driving ARCA ratings to influencing NASCAR’s digital strategy, his presence represents a changing tide in motorsports—one where content creators and racers can be the same person.
News in Brief: Cleetus McFarland Ram NASCAR Truck Series rumors
Cleetus McFarland’s journey from viral videos to ARCA contender is gaining momentum—and a leap to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Ram may be on the horizon. As both a driver and influencer, McFarland stands at the intersection of NASCAR’s past and its future. His measured rise, industry respect, and massive digital platform make him one of the most intriguing figures in modern motorsports.
If Ram finalizes its return and taps McFarland as a cornerstone of its Truck Series effort, it could reshape how manufacturers, fans, and sponsors view the sport. For NASCAR, it’s yet another sign that the future of racing may be built as much on Wi-Fi as it is on horsepower.
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