YouTuber-turned-NASCAR driver Cleetus McFarland is opening up about the profound influence of his late friend and mentor Greg Biffle, just days after making his debut with one of stock car racing's most prestigious organizations. The social media personality, who commands nearly 5 million subscribers on YouTube, signed a two-year deal with Richard Childress Racing that places him behind the wheel of the team's number 33 Chevrolet.
McFarland made his first appearance in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series last weekend at Rockingham Speedway, successfully completing the race and finishing in 32nd place. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the content creator, who has transitioned from producing automotive entertainment videos to competing at NASCAR's organizational level.
In reflecting on his new opportunity with Richard Childress Racing, McFarland acknowledged the guidance he received from Biffle, who tragically died in a plane crash in December. The YouTuber explained his decision-making process through the lens of his mentor's likely advice.
"I think a lot about [what Biffle would have thought]. I think Biff would know I'm totally in over my head right now with the O'Reilly stuff. But I think if I called him and said, 'Hey, I just got this call,' he would say, 'We gotta do it.' Because of the aspect that I can be a better driver because of the resources they have," McFarland stated.
The driver has adopted what he calls a "Be Like Biff" philosophy as he navigates the complexities of professional racing. This mantra serves as both a tribute to his late mentor and a guiding principle for career decisions that might otherwise seem overwhelming for someone making the leap from digital content creation to competitive motorsports.
"I'm trying to 'Be Like Biff' in these decisions, ya know? And I think I'm on track with what he would've wanted as my mentor," McFarland added, emphasizing the continued influence Biffle maintains on his racing journey despite his physical absence.
McFarland acknowledged that had Biffle not died in the December plane crash, his mentor would have undoubtedly been trackside supporting him during his debut race. The loss clearly weighs on the driver, who channels his grief into performance and decision-making that honors Biffle's memory.
Beyond his racing commitments, McFarland also discussed a new partnership with Polaris that will enhance his team's operational capabilities. The sponsorship addresses practical challenges his crew has faced with equipment transportation and track maintenance.
"We're out here trying to push broken cars off the race track with like golf carts, dragging around lawn equipment with old, old pickup trucks. Now, we got Ranger XDs that can carry 3,000 pounds on the hitch," McFarland explained, highlighting the tangible improvements the partnership brings to his racing operations.
The two-year agreement with Richard Childress Racing represents a significant commitment for both parties, providing McFarland with access to professional-grade resources and technical expertise while offering the organization a driver with an established digital following. His part-time schedule allows him to balance content creation with competitive racing, potentially bringing new audiences to the sport through his substantial social media presence.
As McFarland continues his racing career, the "Be Like Biff" philosophy appears to serve as more than mere sentiment. It functions as a practical framework for navigating the pressures and opportunities that come with competing at NASCAR's organizational level while maintaining the authentic personality that built his YouTube following.