NASCAR Spotter Criticizes Cleetus McFarland's Truck Series Debut

Freddie Kraft says social media stars like McFarland shouldn't be approved for top NASCAR races without proper experience.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NASCAR spotter Freddie Kraft has doubled down on his criticism of YouTube star Cleetus McFarland's debut in the Truck Series race at Daytona. Kraft compared McFarland's lack of motorsports background to that of social media personality Logan Paul, arguing that NASCAR should focus on approving experienced drivers rather than those with large online followings.

Why it matters

Kraft's comments highlight the ongoing debate in NASCAR over whether the sport should open the door to social media influencers and celebrities, or maintain a focus on traditional racing talent. As NASCAR seeks to attract new, younger fans, the inclusion of personalities like McFarland is seen by some as a way to boost viewership, but others argue it compromises the competitive integrity of the sport.

The details

Cleetus McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, has over 4 million subscribers on YouTube but limited racing experience. He competed in four ARCA Series races in 2025, finishing in the top 10 twice, before making his Truck Series debut at Daytona this year, where he finished last after being involved in a wreck. Kraft, who is the spotter for Bubba Wallace and Gio Ruggiero, criticized NASCAR for approving McFarland, saying the system should be "based on results" rather than just participation.

  • Cleetus McFarland made his Truck Series debut at Daytona on February 18, 2026.
  • McFarland is set to compete in the ARCA race at Talladega on April 25, 2026.

The players

Freddie Kraft

A NASCAR spotter who works for Bubba Wallace and Gio Ruggiero.

Cleetus McFarland

A YouTube star with over 4 million subscribers who made his NASCAR Truck Series debut in 2026.

Logan Paul

A social media personality and WWE Superstar who Kraft used as an example of a celebrity without a motorsports background potentially trying to enter NASCAR.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What if Logan Paul decided he wanted to run NASCAR next year? No background, no racing background, he's got plenty of money to do it, and he just goes out and rides around at Talladega, he goes out and rides around at Charlotte, goes out and rides around at Bristol.”

— Freddie Kraft, NASCAR Spotter (The Gluckcast)

“This is gonna be very unpopular, and I'm sorry, but what are we doing? Are we trying to get the best racecar drivers on the racetrack, or are we trying to get the biggest social media following?”

— Freddie Kraft, NASCAR Spotter (Door Bumper Clear Podcast)

What’s next

It's not clear if Cleetus McFarland will compete in another Truck Series race this season, but he is set to race in the ARCA event at Talladega on April 25, 2026.

The takeaway

Kraft's criticism of NASCAR's decision to approve Cleetus McFarland for Truck Series competition highlights the ongoing debate over whether the sport should focus on traditional racing talent or embrace social media influencers as a way to attract new fans. This issue is likely to continue as NASCAR navigates balancing competitive integrity with the need to grow its audience.