Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shares Advice for Cleetus McFarland’s Daytona 500 Goal

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shares Advice for Cleetus McFarland’s Daytona 500 Goal

June 4, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Cleetus McFarland, the YouTuber born Garrett Mitchell, is methodically pursuing a start in the Daytona 500. This ambition has garnered the support and guidance of NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The journey began through a friendship with the late Greg Biffle, formed during charity work in the hurricane-battered North Carolina high country region. While Biffle initially urged McFarland to approach his progress with diligence, the mentor passed away in an aviation incident in December.

A Structured Path to the Top

Following Biffle’s passing, McFarland sought a faster route to Daytona but found the industry’s barriers more challenging than expected. A proposal from Richard Childress Racing (RCR) over the spring provided a process-based pathway, including starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series.

A Structured Path to the Top
Dale Earnhardt Jr Cleetus McFarland

The transition has proven difficult. Despite success in ARCA at short tracks and superspeedways, McFarland has faced a steep learning curve in the Truck and O’Reilly divisions, including multiple spins at Nashville and Rockingham.

Did You Know? Cleetus McFarland not only races a variety of vehicles but also owns his own short track located in Bradenton, Florida.

Guidance from Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Speaking on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr. Noted that mistakes are common for those entering the sport. He observed that while McFarland is running laps and not disrupting other drivers, there is a more efficient way to build race craft.

Guidance from Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Cleetus McFarland NASCAR car

Earnhardt Jr. Suggested that McFarland could be better off spending two full seasons in ARCA, competing in every race across all short tracks. He warned that continuing with one-off O’Reilly races may lead to frustration when results do not match the quality of the equipment.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension here lies between the desire for rapid ascent and the necessity of foundational experience. By emphasizing ARCA over higher-tier one-offs, the focus shifts from immediate visibility to long-term competency, reducing the risk of professional burnout or frustration.

The Road to the Great American Race

NASCAR officials have established specific performance benchmarks McFarland must meet before he is approved for larger tracks in the NOAPS car. This includes demonstrating proficiency in ARCA, all Truck Series tracks, and short tracks in the second-tier division.

Cleetus McFarland Meets Dale Jr. And Gives You The Interview Nobody Expected

To supplement this, McFarland has purchased a straight rail Super/Pro Late Model to race nationwide. Earnhardt Jr. Believes that utilizing this car—and running laps at his own track—could significantly improve his skill set before he attempts the Daytona 500.

McFarland is likely to continue this rigorous schedule. He is set to compete this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, driving for Niece Motorsports in the Truck Series and Rette Jones Motorsports in ARCA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cleetus McFarland’s ultimate racing goal?
McFarland intends to eventually secure a start in the Daytona 500.

What specific advice did Dale Earnhardt Jr. Provide regarding ARCA?
Earnhardt Jr. Suggested that McFarland would be better off spending a couple of years running every single ARCA race, including all short tracks, to improve his race craft.

What must McFarland do to gain approval for larger tracks in the NOAPS car?
He must perform to a level that satisfies NASCAR officials through his starts in ARCA, all Truck Series tracks, and short tracks in the second-tier division.

Do you think a structured path through lower series is the best way for non-traditional drivers to reach the Daytona 500?

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