The NASCAR Cup Series conversation around Cleetus McFarland entering stock car racing gained attention again this week. The topic surfaced during media sessions at Phoenix Raceway when NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch addressed reporters.
Busch responded to news that McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, will compete in select races in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Richard Childress Racing.
Cleetus McFarland built a large following online through automotive videos and racing content. His move into organized stock car racing has drawn interest across the sport. Kyle Busch’s comments focused on the amount of racing experience drivers usually build before reaching the NASCAR Cup Series and other national NASCAR levels.
NASCAR Cup Series Driver Kyle Busch Questions Experience Level
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch spoke about Cleetus McFarland’s racing background when reporters asked about the agreement with Richard Childress Racing. Busch questioned how much competitive racing experience McFarland has before entering NASCAR’s ladder system.
“I mean, I don’t know how many races he’s run. Denny Hamlin ran 10,000 before he got here, right?”
Kyle Busch used the comparison to explain how much experience many drivers gain before reaching the NASCAR Cup Series and other national NASCAR divisions.
“So, I don’t know if Cleetus has run 10 or not, but there’s definitely a need to have ample experience. My son has probably run more races than he has, and he’s 10 years old. You know what I mean? So, I don’t think that sits well with many of us.”
Drivers typically move through several development levels before reaching the NASCAR Cup Series. Many begin racing on local short tracks before advancing to series such as ARCA, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Kyle Busch’s reference to Denny Hamlin running “10,000 races” was an exaggeration. The statement illustrated his main point about the large amount of track time drivers often gain before reaching NASCAR’s top levels.
NASCAR Fans React to Kyle Busch’s Comments
Kyle Busch’s remarks quickly circulated across social media. NASCAR Cup Series fans and racing followers shared different reactions as the discussion gained traction.
Brake Hard wrote, “Kyle is 100% right, but the mouth breathers aren’t going to listen, they’re just going to attack.”
Forrest Robbins also agreed with Kyle Busch’s comments. “Finally, someone behind the wheel publicly stating what needs to be said. Love the fact that it’s another RCR driver.”
Some fans focused on the attention Cleetus McFarland could bring to NASCAR.
Scott Thorsen wrote, “I’m not tuning into a NASCAR race to watch Kyle Busch. I will tune in to watch Cletus McFarland. I don’t think I’m the only person who feels this way. Fine to have the opinion that Cletus isn’t ready, but for the sake of the future of NASCAR, let’s give him a chance. After all, he isn’t racing in the Cup Series, so is it really that big of a deal?”
Jakob Bedway added another viewpoint about the direction of the sport.
“This is a bigger problem than just Cleetus. Mainstream NASCAR rewards popularity and outside-sourced money over legitimate talent and exposure, and I don’t think that trend is stopping anytime soon.”
The discussion shows how Cleetus McFarland’s move into NASCAR competition continues to spark conversation among NASCAR Cup Series drivers and fans about experience and development paths.
NASCAR Cup Series Driver Kyle Busch Questions Cleetus McFarland Entry