Cleetus McFarland Teases Bigger NASCAR Plans, Growing Partnership Ahead of 2027

LINCOLN, Ala. — Cleetus McFarland's NASCAR journey is about much more than competing on the racetrack.

The popular YouTube personality turned race car driver is already looking toward 2027, with ambitious plans that could expand both his racing schedule and his growing relationship with NASCAR.

Speaking during Friday's media availability at Talladega Superspeedway, McFarland revealed that an announcement is expected within the next week regarding his future plans, including opportunities that extend beyond driving.

"Some of the things we have pretty close to set in stone are so cool and unexpected," McFarland said. "Not only from a competitor standpoint, but the partnership with NASCAR."

That growing relationship is something McFarland admits he didn't necessarily anticipate when he first began working with the sanctioning body.

"My first day with them, I got two penalties, and so I thought the relationship got off to a bad start," McFarland said. "But after a few of the phone calls, I can't believe NASCAR is letting us bring some of these ideas to the table." 

McFarland also hinted at potential NASCAR-related activities at the Freedom Factory, the Florida racetrack he owns and operates.

"There will be things in the Freedom Factory with NASCAR's name on it in the future," McFarland said.

While he declined to reveal specifics, McFarland indicated the upcoming opportunities could make for a busy 2027 schedule. His ambitions also include moving up NASCAR's national series ladder.

McFarland hopes to compete in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series on a superspeedway next year, understanding that his performances in the Craftsman Truck Series could play an important role in earning that opportunity.

"Every race now, NASCAR is watching," McFarland said. "That all counts towards me being able to do other things like racing O'Reilly on a superspeedway next year, which I really want to do."

Part of that development involves learning from more experienced competitors. McFarland said Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar recently offered advice about the aerodynamic challenges of racing trucks at superspeedways. During a dinner conversation, Hocevar explained how trucks can become unsettled when another competitor approaches from behind, particularly in tight drafting situations.

"If you find yourself in clean air with someone behind you, hold on. Just be ready to drive," McFarland recalled Hocevar telling him.

McFarland also praised Hocevar for embracing content creation while competing at NASCAR's highest level. The two have collaborated on videos, and McFarland believes Hocevar's willingness to edit his own content gives fans a more personal connection to the driver.

"Nobody is getting that personal experience from a Cup driver," McFarland said. "His channel will blow up."

Another established NASCAR competitor McFarland discussed was three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, who is also competing in the Truck Series race at Talladega. McFarland joked about their previous encounter at Daytona and suggested Stewart could be a useful drafting partner.

"I was excited to see him out there, and I think I even almost took him out last time," McFarland said. "I would guess he'll be smart and run in a safe spot. He knows better, so I might even locate him."

McFarland's enthusiasm for motorsports extends beyond NASCAR's national series. He also discussed the challenges facing local short tracks, acknowledging how difficult it can be for smaller facilities to remain profitable. Through the Freedom Factory and his sizable online following, McFarland hopes to continue bringing attention to grassroots racing.

"It's hard to turn a profit with short tracks and you really have to have a whole other business to really support it," McFarland said.

For McFarland, the combination of racing, content creation and track ownership has created opportunities that reach well beyond the driver's seat. And with additional announcements approaching, his involvement in NASCAR appears poised to expand in 2027.

"We have some cool things coming that'll make for a busy schedule next year," McFarland said.