NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott has voiced his support for digital creator and motorsport enthusiast Garrett Mitchell — better known as Cleetus McFarland — following Mitchell’s ARCA Menards Series debut. Elliott believes new personalities like McFarland are essential to sustaining NASCAR’s future.
Mitchell, who has built a massive following on YouTube with car builds, drag racing, and grassroots events, took the wheel in a recent ARCA race, marking a pivotal moment as the worlds of digital content and traditional motorsports collided.
“Guys like Cleetus bring in a fresh wave of fans that might not have watched a race otherwise,” Elliott said in an interview. “He represents a whole new generation that grew up online, but still loves speed, cars, and racing. That’s a huge opportunity for the sport.”
McFarland’s entry into ARCA wasn’t just a publicity stunt — his growing influence among younger car enthusiasts is real, drawing new eyes to a series that often flies under the mainstream radar. His participation also highlights NASCAR’s expanding efforts to engage with diverse creators and broaden its fan base.
Elliott emphasized that for NASCAR to stay competitive and relevant, it must embrace non-traditional drivers who bring both talent and community influence. “It’s not just about racing anymore,” he noted. “It’s about building a connection — and guys like Cleetus already have that with millions of fans.”
As the sport continues to evolve, blending digital culture with historic race traditions, McFarland’s debut could be the start of a broader movement — one that welcomes creators, influencers, and passionate drivers from all walks of life.
Elliott’s endorsement reinforces a growing belief: the future of NASCAR lies not just in its past, but in its willingness to innovate — on and off the track.
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