Freddie Kraft, the spotter for Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, openly called out NASCAR for allowing Cleetus McFarland to race in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series after the ARCA Menards Series driver and YouTuber signed a two-year deal with Richard Childress Racing. Kraft’s public statements on social media have intensified the debate about NASCAR’s decisions regarding eligibility and driver readiness, bringing the Bubba Wallace spotter NASCAR criticism into sharp focus.
Controversy Arises as McFarland Joins Richard Childress Racing
Cleetus McFarland, known for his popular YouTube channel and appearances in the ARCA Menards Series, recently entered a partnership with Richard Childress Racing. Announced on March 4, 2026, McFarland explained that this two-year agreement will see him competing for the team in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Notably, McFarland will pilot the #33 Chevy, lining up alongside drivers Jesse Love and Austin Hill, and is scheduled for three races during the 2026 and 2027 seasons. His official series debut is set for April at Rockingham Speedway.
McFarland made his first Craftsman Truck Series start at Daytona International Speedway in February 2026 with Niece Motorsports. However, his race ended early when he spun within the first six laps. Beyond his Truck Series efforts, McFarland’s ARCA Menards career includes six starts for Rette Jones Racing, with his best finish being ninth at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2025.
Kraft’s Online Rebuke Sparks Debate
Upon learning about McFarland’s new opportunity, Freddie Kraft expressed his disapproval directly toward NASCAR’s eligibility decision. In a post on X, Kraft referenced McFarland’s track record, including incidents from the Truck Series, stating:
“Crash at the Rockingham truck test. Crash lap 5 of your only truck start. Good enough for me. Approved (I don’t blame Cleetus one bit. We’d all jump at the chance to just show up and get approved)”
– Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace Spotter
Podcast Criticism: Concerns About Driver Readiness
Prior to the deal announcement, Kraft and fellow racing figure Tommy Baldwin discussed McFarland’s readiness on the Door Bumper Clear podcast. The pair highlighted that McFarland’s experience in the Truck Series debut at Daytona, where he qualified 12th but later crashed on the exit of turn 4 and impacted the inside wall, underscored concerns about promoting drivers too quickly based on fame rather than skill. They also recalled his previous crashes at major tracks such as Daytona and Talladega in the 2025 season.
Kraft questioned NASCAR’s priorities regarding its selection of drivers, voicing his perspective with intensity:
“This is going to be very unpopular. Are we trying to get the best race car drivers on the racetrack, or are we trying to get the biggest social media following?”
– Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace Spotter
Kraft elaborated further, both acknowledging McFarland’s versatility and reinforcing that the issue lay with NASCAR’s approval process:
“I’m sure he’s a great guy. Seems like a phenomenal person. He’s got great car control. In the videos that I watch, he drives everything in the world. He’s not ready for what he’s doing. I want to make it clear that it’s not Cleetus’ fault. It’s NASCAR’s fault.”
– Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace Spotter
Push for Traditional Racing Pathways
Tommy Baldwin concurred with Kraft’s assessment on the podcast, arguing that McFarland, despite his popularity, should follow the standard route and gain experience in the sport’s lower divisions before advancing to major series. Baldwin emphasized that adhering to established pathways ensures drivers are prepared for the rigorous demands of top-tier racing.
What This Means for NASCAR and Racing Fans
The controversy involving Bubba Wallace’s spotter and his NASCAR criticism has brought attention to the broader debate over how drivers are selected for high-profile races. With Cleetus McFarland’s upcoming debut for Richard Childress Racing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, NASCAR faces scrutiny over whether it values on-track performance or online popularity more. The perspectives shared by industry insiders like Kraft and Baldwin will likely influence ongoing conversations about merit, safety, and the future direction of the sport as fans prepare to watch McFarland’s next steps at Rockingham, Charlotte, and beyond.
Crash at the Rockingham truck test.
Crash lap 5 of your only truck start.Good enough for me.
Approved ✅(I don’t blame Cleetus one bit. We’d all jump at the chance to just show up and get approved) https://t.co/SJUPnwq5DT
— Freddie Kraft (@FreddieKraft) March 4, 2026
