NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has returned to Talladega Superspeedway, not as a competitor, but as a mentor to YouTube sensation and motorsports enthusiast Garrett Mitchell, popularly known as Cleetus McFarland. This collaboration comes as McFarland prepares for his ARCA Menards Series debut at the General Tire 200 on April 26, 2025 .
Earnhardt Jr., a six-time Cup Series winner at Talladega, provided McFarland with an in-depth tour of the 2.66-mile superspeedway. He shared insights on the track’s nuances, including its unique bumps and optimal racing lines, and demonstrated how to execute a perfect qualifying lap. However, McFarland humorously noted that ARCA employs group qualifying sessions, rendering solo laps less applicable. In jest, he remarked, “I either have to lead, or talk ’em into watching this video” .
The duo also visited the Talladega Museum, where Earnhardt Jr. took the wheel of McFarland’s modified NASCAR truck, affectionately dubbed the “Dale Truck.” This experience was captured in a video that has garnered over 1.6 million views within three days of its release .
McFarland’s dedication to motorsports and his collaboration with Earnhardt Jr. have been well-received by fans and the racing community alike. As he continues his journey in the ARCA series, with upcoming races at Talladega and Bristol, McFarland’s enthusiasm and commitment suggest a promising future in the sport.
Leave a Reply