May 30, 2026; Lebanon, Tennessee, USA; Cleetus McFarland (33) at Nashville Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
May 30, 2026; Lebanon, Tennessee, USA; Cleetus McFarland (33) at Nashville Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
Although Cleetus McFarland secured his first-ever ARCA pole in Michigan, the race on Friday proved to be a challenging experience. During the event at Michigan International Speedway, he was involved in an unfortunate three-wide incident.
Speaking to Fox Sports after the race, McFarland reflected on the crash involving Ryan Vargas, who has an outside shot at the championship, and described it as "frustrating." He also explained how the incident made things difficult for him on the track.
"It was really frustrating," McFarland said. "You know, you only go backwards, and it doesn't feel good when cars are passing you. But there was nothing I could do. We came in after I hit the wall. After we came in and made some adjustments, the car didn't feel much better, but a little better. Then I got tangled up in that accident."
He further reflected on not giving enough room during a three-wide battle, which ultimately resulted in an unfortunate accident.
"Now I look back on that accident, and I'm like, we're three freaking wide," he added. "Maybe I should have given that guy a little more room and raced another lap instead of diving in three-wide. We all three crashed, the car got torn up again, and I slammed into the wall. Not good."
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Garrett Mitchell Cleetus McFarland 30 Kenetik Ford on pit road prior to the running of the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 200 on February 14, 2026 at Daytona International speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 14 ARCA Menards Series - General Tire 200 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602141192200
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Garrett Mitchell Cleetus McFarland 30 Kenetik Ford on pit road prior to the running of the ARCA Menards Series General Tire 200 on February 14, 2026 at Daytona International speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 14 ARCA Menards Series - General Tire 200 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602141192200
The incident occurred on Lap 49 as McFarland, Ryan Vargas, and Andy Jankowiak battled three-wide for ninth position. Vargas got loose on the inside line, and the ensuing contact sent the cars up the track, also collecting Jason Kitzmiller.
McFarland said he has learned valuable lessons from the accident and is now focused on the upcoming Truck race on Saturday.
Cleetus McFarland Sets His Sights on Success in the NASCAR Truck Series Race
After an eventual 14th-place finish in the ARCA race, Cleetus McFarland is looking ahead to the NASCAR Truck Series race and is determined to improve on his performance.
Speaking to Fox Sports after the ARCA race on Friday, McFarland shared his thoughts about the upcoming Truck Series race.
"So we get a little preview of that and what we can expect from you on track as well," McFarland said. "Yeah, I mean, the DQS race tomorrow looks awesome."
Notably, during his previous Truck Series race at Daytona, McFarland completed only six laps before crashing out. Improving his racecraft and gaining more experience are among the key areas he hopes to work on as he prepares for his next NASCAR appearance.
"The trucks—last time I drove one, I crashed it in six laps," he said. "So I've got to get out there and survive with those boys. I know they're crazy, but I'm glad I got some ARCA time and can feel a little better about tomorrow, going in knowing how to make these turns out here."
Besides competing in the race, McFarland will also serve as the grand marshal for the Truck event.
What do you think about the 31-year-old's upcoming race? Let us know in the comments.
You can read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!
Written by
Ankita Yadav
Edited by
Ankita Yadav