Cleetus McFarland came to Daytona International Speedway looking to make a statement in his ARCA Menards Series debut, but it wasn’t just his driving that got people talking, it was his hilarious post-race interview.
After getting caught in multiple crashes, the YouTuber-turned-race-car-driver didn’t dwell on disappointment. Instead, he turned his misfortune into a comedy masterclass, giving what fans are calling one of the funniest NASCAR interviews ever.
Among those who couldn’t help but appreciate McFarland’s natural entertainment skills was Leah Pruett, Tony Stewart’s wife, and a 12-time Top Fuel national event winner. She shared her reaction on Instagram, giving McFarland props for his unfiltered humor.
Cleetus McFarland’s Daytona ARCA Debut Turned Into Short, Wild Ride
McFarland, who has over four million YouTube subscribers, rolled onto the grid in the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing, starting 23rd. His first ARCA Menards Series race was anything but boring:
- On Lap 12, he dodged a wreck when another car spun in front of him.
- Just a few laps later, on Lap 15, he wasn’t so lucky and got caught in a multi-car crash that ended his race early.
- He ultimately finished 30th with a DNF.
Instead of complaining about the crash, McFarland delivered comedy gold in his post-race interview with Fox Sports. His over-the-top, self-deprecating breakdown of what happened instantly went viral.
“Well, I was having the best day of my life, riding around Daytona like a bald eagle. Was flat out, you know, avoided a wreck, which was awesome. I thought I was the best driver to ever exist at that moment, and it’s probably ’cause my sleeves were cut off as I was able to pull off that maneuver.”
And when describing the moment he got caught in the wreck, McFarland said, “I’m hot-dogging into one and two, and the car lost it in front of me. I saw it. Didn’t have enough brakes to get slowed down before it and tried to go around it, misread it, zigged instead of zagged when I should have zagged, and I zigged, and — bam — blew the front end right off my hot rod.”
"Rippin' around Daytona like a bald eagle."
Everything this man says belongs on a T-shirt. pic.twitter.com/Ed8ZRPwJzA
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2025
Fans flooded social media with praise, saying it was the funniest post-race interview in years.
“If you want to grow the sport, get this man a full-time ride,” one fan said on X.
“The driver Nascar NEEDS in the Cup Series!” another said.
He's like the modern day Ricky Bobby and we're all here to enjoy it.
— Major General Grumpy Dool (@PCSoonersFan) February 15, 2025
Tony Stewart’s Wife, Leah Pruett, Took Notice
Leah Pruett, who has seen plenty of wild moments as an NHRA drag racing champion, couldn’t resist chiming in on McFarland’s viral moment.
In an Instagram story, she credited McFarland for his unique take on the situation.
“@Cleetusmcfarland just being the man.”
It’s not every day a rookie stock car driver impresses racing royalty, but McFarland’s ability to entertain, even in defeat, clearly earned him some respect.
What’s Next for McFarland?
The 30th-place finish during his first ARCA race did not align with his plan, yet his enormous presence created a lasting effect beyond the race result.
Fans are speculating whether he will participate in another racing event.
Although McFarland has yet to officially announce upcoming race appearances, there is widespread excitement among racing enthusiasts for his potential future return to the competition.
