Carson Hocevar praises Cleetus McFarland following McFarland’s recent performance in the ARCA Menards Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where the former YouTuber placed 17th in only his fourth race. The Spire Motorsports driver’s public admiration for McFarland highlights the growing respect for newcomers breaking the mold in professional motorsports.
Cleetus McFarland’s Transition from YouTube to Racing
Cleetus McFarland, who started as a prominent content creator online, has quickly shifted gears by entering the competitive world of ARCA racing this season. McFarland made his debut at Daytona earlier in the year and has since participated in three additional events, including a recent outing at Bristol. His journey marks a significant leap from building a fanbase on digital platforms to taking on seasoned drivers on renowned racetracks.
Standout Performance at Bristol Motor Speedway
At Bristol, McFarland started from the 20th position and advanced to finish 17th despite facing multiple obstacles. Carson Hocevar shared his appreciation for McFarland’s efforts, remarking,
“I enjoy seeing his journey. We played iRacing or whatever. Kind of hit it off a little bit. I like to have fun, and I am jealous that he races Crown Vics as much as he does… I want to be successful on Sunday, but I envy his job of literally having fun every day.”
—Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Driver.
Fans and fellow racers noted McFarland’s quick adaptation to the technical demands of Bristol, defying the perception of him being just an internet personality in a professional field. He managed to steer clear of the race’s early chaos, notably avoiding a crash set off by Andrew Patterson and Takuma Koga, and maintained a solid pace for much of the event.
Midway through the race, McFarland’s run encountered a setback when a tire failure forced him into the wall with more than 20 laps remaining. He returned to pit without causing a caution, but fell multiple laps behind, ultimately returning to the race seven laps down but finishing among the top twenty in a challenging lineup.
Perspectives from Across the Racing World
McFarland’s earlier appearance at Talladega Superspeedway had already set high expectations, as he concluded that race in 10th place and caught the attention of established Cup Series drivers. Among those taking notice was Christopher Bell, who told the media,
“It’s refreshing whenever you get a guy like that. I don’t think he is trying to make a career out of this. Maybe one day he will, I don’t know. But he definitely does it in his own way, and I respect that.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver.
Alex Bowman echoed similar sentiments, saying,
“I think he is going about things the right way. He’s got a lot of people helping him.”
—Alex Bowman, NASCAR Driver.
The enthusiasm for McFarland’s approach extends beyond his driving skills. His laid-back demeanor and unique entry into ARCA racing have made him a favorite among both established drivers and fresh audiences drawn from his online following. Cup Series regulars, such as Bell and Bowman, recognize how McFarland’s style and personality offer much-needed levity in the sport, especially during tense periods.
The Broader Impact of McFarland’s Racing Journey
McFarland’s ongoing foray into ARCA racing challenges traditional perceptions of who can compete in motorsports and how they arrive there. His willingness to take risks on the track and engage with fans off it has drawn respect from peers and attention from the wider NASCAR world. The presence of diverse talents like McFarland, supported by voices such as Carson Hocevar, suggests an evolving culture in racing—one that values fresh energy, crossover appeal, and the excitement surrounding unconventional success stories.
As McFarland continues to build on his racing experience and bring new eyes to the sport, his progress will be closely followed by established competitors, industry watchers, and a growing legion of fans. His story so far demonstrates that the ARCA Menards Series and its partner organizations are opening the door to new personalities, and the excitement around what comes next for McFarland remains high.
