As the NASCAR Truck Series prepares to kick off the season at Daytona, an unlikely duo is set to make waves in the racing world. Cleetus McFarland, a YouTube influencer and automotive enthusiast, is making his national series debut alongside Travis Pastrana, a three-time Cup Series champion. The pair will be racing for Niece Motorsports, and their presence is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the series. McFarland, who has gained a following for his automotive-themed YouTube channel, has previously competed in ARCA and other lower-level series. However, he's eager to take on the challenge of NASCAR's top series. "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," he said. Pastrana, on the other hand, has extensive experience ...
As the NASCAR Truck Series prepares to kick off the season at Daytona, an unlikely duo is set to make waves in the racing world. Cleetus McFarland, a YouTube influencer and automotive enthusiast, is making his national series debut alongside Travis Pastrana, a three-time Cup Series champion. The pair will be racing for Niece Motorsports, and their presence is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the series.
McFarland, who has gained a following for his automotive-themed YouTube channel, has previously competed in ARCA and other lower-level series. However, he’s eager to take on the challenge of NASCAR’s top series. “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,” he said.
Pastrana, on the other hand, has extensive experience in various forms of motorsports, including rallycross and Sno*Drift rally. He’s looking to bring his skills to the NASCAR Truck Series, where he’ll be racing alongside McFarana. “I think at Daytona, I get a lot of help from rally. You get bumped, rocked, rattled all around—and in rally, one thing we’re used to is getting sideways,” he explained.
The duo’s goal is to shake up the competition and have a good time. They’ll need to earn their spot on the Daytona grid in a Friday afternoon qualifying session. If successful, their next goal is to work with other drivers and get to the front. “Trav and I have definitely talked, and our plan is to shake and bake. We really should probably get a few more guys to help us, though,” McFarland said.
Pastrana added, “Usually, it’s just brand loyalty out there [in the draft], but with Cleetus, he’s made a lot of friends, he’s had a lot of fun. And the coolest part about what Cleetus does is that he has re-inspired even guys like me, that are kind of known for having fun.”
The pair’s sponsors, Black Rifle Coffee Company and Brunt Workwear, are also donating $100,000 to veteran’s care nonprofit Boot Campaign as part of their entry. Whether or not their friendship and charisma will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this duo is ready to make a statement at Daytona.
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