NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Cleetus McFarland’s acquaintance Squirrel McNutt recently debuted in the ARCA Menards Series East at Hickory Motor Speedway. Post the race, NASCAR insider Freddie Kraft shared his take on McNutt’s debut run on the Door Bumper Clear podcast.
George Siciliano, aka Squirrel McNutt, competed in the 200-lap race for Rette Jones Racing. The same team that fields McFarland in the ARCA Menards Series. Siciliano drove the #0 Ford for the team and qualified ninth for the 2026 Cook Out 200 held on March 28, 2026, at the 0.326-mile track. Meanwhile, JGR driver Max Reaves took the pole position.
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Cleetus McFarland’s ally wrapped his first-ever ARCA Menards Series East race in P13. Addressing McNutt’s debut race, NASCAR insider Freddie Kraft highlighted that McFarland and his ally are bringing recognition to the ARCA series. He further explained his stance:
“What the ARCA Series has become is unfortunately expensive street stock racing. What I will say is this guy showed up, and after the race was over, you watch his interview; he’s got tears in his eyes as you talk about Biffle. This is a plan that they had. He goes there to get approved for, I think, Talladega; probably I’m fine with them being in ARCA.”
“They’re bringing eyes to Arca that Arca probably doesn’t normally get. I think Cletus should be in Arca more. I think this guy’s going to be in Arca more. And I think that’s great for the Arca series. The fact that this is where we’re at with the Arca series,” he added.
Cleetus McFarland will compete alongside George Siciliano in the ARCA Menards Series East. The duo will drive the #0 Ford for Rette Jones on a part-time basis in the 2026 season. However, McFarland has made one start in the ARCA Menards Series, followed by one start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway this season.
“I don’t blame him one bit”: NASCAR insider shared his honest take on Cleetus McFarland making his O’Reilly Series debut
Earlier this month, NASCAR YouTuber Cleetus McFarland announced he would make a debut in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Richard Childress Racing. However, this news faced a lot of scrutiny over the internet from fans and stock car racing insiders.
Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, was also among the critics and called out Richard Childress Racing’s decision. The NASCAR insider recalled McFarland’s Truck Series debut run at Daytona International Speedway, where the YouTuber crashed within the first six laps of the 100-lap event.
Cleetus McFarland lost the traction of the #4 Niece Motorsports truck and hit the inside wall, leading to a significant crash. Kraft also talked about the YouTuber’s Rockingham crash and stated the following:
“Crash at the Rockingham truck test. Crash lap 5 of your only truck start. Good enough for me. Approved (I don’t blame Cleetus one bit. We’d all jump at the chance to just show up and get approved)”
Cleetus McFarland and Richard Childress Racing inked a two-year deal featuring McFarland to compete in three races each year. According to the contract, McFarland will make his first appearance in the series at the North Carolina Education Lottery 250. The 250-lap event is scheduled for April 4, 2026, at Rockingham Speedway.
Edited by Karan Yadav
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