Cleetus McFarland’s Journey at Charlotte Motor Speedway: A First-Time Experience in ARCA
Austin Green achieved a significant milestone by securing his first victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway within the ARCA Menards Series. This event marked an exciting chapter for many participants, including Garrett Mitchell, who is better recognized as Cleetus McFarland through his widely popular YouTube channel. In his third career outing in the ARCA series, Cleetus finished ninth, this time racing on a traditional track after having previously competed at superspeedways.
Cleetus, who had previously secured a top-ten finish at Talladega Superspeedway earlier in the season, aimed to improve upon that result. However, the race at Charlotte was not without its challenges. Starting from the 11th position on a 32-car grid, he demonstrated his determination by steadily advancing through the pack. At one point, he reached seventh place before the race experienced its first caution.
When the race resumed with 62 laps remaining, Cleetus found himself on the outside of the front row. However, the restart did not go as planned. As the leading cars accelerated, McFarland struggled with tire grip, leading to a fishtail maneuver that unfortunately resulted in contact with Isabella Robusto’s vehicle. This collision sent Robusto crashing into the outside wall and triggered a chain reaction that affected multiple cars, resulting in damage for about ten drivers. Luckily, Cleetus managed to escape with just minor damage to the left front of his car.
Post-incident, Cleetus displayed visible frustration, expressing his disappointment by hitting the steering wheel with his fists and even slapping the top of his helmet while still inside the car. Over the radio, he acknowledged his mistake, stating, "I blew it," recognizing it as a rookie error that he would learn from.
Despite the setback, Cleetus maintained a decent pace throughout the race, running in seventh place at the halfway point. As the laps progressed, he managed to avoid further incidents and climbed up to fifth position, although he eventually settled back into ninth place during the final green-flag run. Toward the end of the race, he found himself off the lead lap as Austin Green made his way past him.
In a post-race interview with FOX Sports 1, Cleetus took the opportunity to apologize for the unfortunate incident during the restart. "I want to start out by apologizing to the team that I took out," he stated. "I think it was several cars. I just feel terrible. Every time I go racing, I don’t want to get taken out. I’ve felt it. It sucks. I’ve been sent home and I made a complete rookie maneuver on the restart."
He elaborated on the experience of racing at Charlotte, admitting that it was significantly more challenging compared to competing on superspeedways like Daytona or Talladega. "It was 100 times harder," he remarked, indicating that the technical nature of the track humbled him during the restart.
Reflecting on the restart incident, he added, "I forgot there was no restrictor plate on this thing. I’m like, ‘wham,’ gave her the beans. It steps out, steps out, and then I clipped (Robusto). Just feels bad, but we’ll move forward."
Following this race, Cleetus has his sights set on his next ARCA event, which will take place at the Bristol Motor Speedway in September. With each race, he continues to learn and grow from his experiences, eager to improve and showcase his skills on the track.
Racing in the ARCA Menards Series is a significant leap for many drivers, offering a chance to hone their skills and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment. The series has a reputation for being a stepping stone to higher levels of racing, including NASCAR. For Cleetus McFarland, this journey is not just about racing; it’s about personal growth and learning from each experience on the track.
Throughout the race, Cleetus demonstrated resilience and determination, traits that are crucial for any competitive racer. While setbacks are a part of the learning process, it is his ability to reflect on mistakes and strive for improvement that will ultimately define his racing career.
As fans and followers continue to support Cleetus McFarland, they look forward to seeing how he applies the lessons learned from Charlotte in his future races. The commitment to racing and the passion he brings to the sport resonate with many, making his journey one to watch closely.
In summary, Cleetus McFarland’s experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs faced by drivers in the ARCA Menards Series. With a promising future ahead, including upcoming races at prestigious tracks, Cleetus is poised to make his mark in the world of motorsports. His journey is not just about racing; it’s about the passion, the excitement, and the drive to succeed in a highly competitive field.
