Cleetus McFarland delivers instant-classic recap of ARCA Talladega race

In the No. 30 Ford, Cleetus McFarland did his best bald eagle impression on the high-banks of Talladega in the ARCA race. After he got out of the car, he delivered a race recap in the only way he can – epically.

Cleetus McFarland has become NASCAR and ARCA’s new darling. Since his first start at Daytona earlier this season, McFarland has promised to be back for more. Today he earned his first career top-10 in overtime at Dega.

Talladega Boulevard is going to be ROCKING tonight with Cleetus and friends. It sounded like the party was already starting when he spoke to Josh Sims of FOX Sports. Lawless Alan won the race, but you couldn’t tell at Cleetus’ garage stall.

“Brother, I thought we were done,” Cleetus said. “Ilmor, the engine guys just came here, pulled the valve cover off, number six valve spring is broken in half, I don’t remember if it was intake or the exhaust, like broken in half. And about five laps in she just turned into a dog you know, and the Kenetik No. 30 always hauls tail, I’m like, ‘What the hell’s going on?’ Got my foot stabbed in her, I’m telling you, they’re getting on the radio like, ‘Keep up your momentum.’ I’m like, ‘Brother, this sucker’s wide open,’ know what I’m saying?”

Cleetus McFarland finishes with seven cylinders

Cleetus McFarland continued his postrace rant. He was still high on adrenaline, and I’m sure this party is only going to go on into the night.

“We fell out of the draft, and dude, it felt like I was riding a horse out there, you know what I mean? Everyone’s blowing by me, and thankfully, a caution came out. We stayed on the lead lap. They came on the radio, Kevin Hamlin, shout out to my boy. He’s saying, ‘Brother, you cannot get out of the draft.’ They started telling me stuff. I used knowledge from the Biffmeister [Greg Biffle] he taught me everything I know. I got out there and just read the air with the dog we had. Stayed up in there!”

The man, the myth, the legend Cleetus McFarland sums up his race at @TALLADEGA in a way only he can! pic.twitter.com/9YMtvvNMzU

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) April 26, 2025

To not lose the draft and go a lap down with only seven cylinders is impressive. Cleetus McFarland has earned his racing skills a bit differently than most ARCA and NASCAR drivers. Still, it appears to be working. Word is Cleetus will be racing at Bristol in the ARCA race there.

So, Cleetus McFarland – at least as good as Frankie Muniz, right? When Frankie was in ARCA he primarily raced with Rette Jones in the No. 30 car. During that time he was a regular top-10 finisher.