As the 2024 NASCAR Truck Series season kicks off at Daytona, a new pair of drivers is set to make their national series debut. YouTuber Cleetus McFarland and three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will share a ride with Niece Motorsports, making for a unique combination of experience and enthusiasm. McFarland, who has previously competed in the ARCA series, is looking to make a name for himself in the Truck Series. His experience in rallycross and other forms of motorsports has translated well to the oval, and he's confident that his skills will serve him well. "It's got more power, less restrictor plate. Everyone says they're less aerodynamic, but it didn't feel like that. They felt fast as hell. It had a ton of grip, and it's the fastest thing I've ever driven around an oval," McFarland said in an interview. Pastrana, on the other hand, brings a wealth of ...
As the 2024 NASCAR Truck Series season kicks off at Daytona, a new pair of drivers is set to make their national series debut. YouTuber Cleetus McFarland and three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will share a ride with Niece Motorsports, making for a unique combination of experience and enthusiasm.
McFarland, who has previously competed in the ARCA series, is looking to make a name for himself in the Truck Series. His experience in rallycross and other forms of motorsports has translated well to the oval, and he’s confident that his skills will serve him well. “It’s got more power, less restrictor plate. Everyone says they’re less aerodynamic, but it didn’t feel like that. They felt fast as hell. It had a ton of grip, and it’s the fastest thing I’ve ever driven around an oval,” McFarland said in an interview.
Pastrana, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience to the table. A veteran of multiple forms of motorsports, including rallycross and dirt racing, he’s no stranger to competition. His experience will be invaluable to McFarland, who’s looking to learn from the best. “I know I have a reputation for crashing stuff,” Pastrana joked, “but I have a lot of experience being sideways and trying to pull it back together. I think that’s a little helpful, but most of the stuff we’re doing is under 120 miles an hour on those roads.”
The pair’s entry is sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee Company and Brunt Workwear, and they’ll be donating $100,000 to the veteran’s care nonprofit, Boot Campaign. Their goal is to make the most of their time on the track and have a good time doing it. “Hopefully, when push comes to shove, if we’re around one of them, they’ll give us a little bump in the right direction and we’ll be close to the finish line. We’ll have a shot at, really, having a lot of fun and seeing if we can make all the laps,” Pastrana said.
With 44 trucks entered for a maximum of 40 potential slots, the competition is fierce. But Pastrana and McFarland are confident that their unique combination of experience and enthusiasm will serve them well. “Trav and I have definitely talked, and our plan is to shake and bake,” McFarland said. “We really should probably get a few more guys to help us, though. I know Carson [Hocevar] is down to help us, I’m sure if we find Tony [Stewart] out there and give him a nudge he’ll hang out with us.”
Whether or not their friendship and teamwork will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this duo is ready to make a splash in the Truck Series.
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