In a turn of events no one saw coming, Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s VP of Competition, has finally broken his silence following the dramatic Talladega weekend, and the implications are shaking up the racing world—especially for YouTube sensation turned motorsport icon, Cleetus McFarland.
After a tense and high-stakes weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable and adrenaline-fueled tracks, Elton Sawyer made a cryptic but powerful announcement. “It’s a done deal,” he stated in a press conference Monday morning, leaving reporters buzzing and fans speculating. While details are still emerging, reliable sources close to the situation confirm that this “deal” involves Cleetus McFarland’s growing role in professional motorsports—possibly in partnership with NASCAR-sanctioned events.
For those unfamiliar with McFarland, real name Garrett Mitchell, this isn’t just another YouTuber dabbling in racecars. Cleetus has built a multi-million-strong fanbase by doing what many only dream of: racing, building, and innovating with cars full-time. And now, it seems, the world of traditional motorsports is finally catching up with the viral energy he brings to the track.
Cleetus isn’t your average influencer. He’s a driver, builder, entrepreneur, and content creator, all rolled into one. His motorsports journey began with drag racing, competing in brutal straight-line showdowns that test speed, timing, and nerve over a quarter-mile track. From there, he expanded into oval-track racing, especially with Crown Victoria cars, often on tracks ranging from half a mile to one mile in length—bringing high-speed chaos and entertainment value in equal measure.
But perhaps his most visually thrilling endeavor has been drifting, where drivers push vehicles into controlled skids at high speeds, balancing precision and danger. It’s not just for show—it requires expert-level car control, razor-sharp reflexes, and a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics.
His passion, combined with a flair for showmanship, has made him a unique figure in motorsports—a bridge between mainstream racing and digital-native audiences. His events, like the Freedom 500 and Bald Eagle Bash, have drawn thousands in person and millions more online, proving that Cleetus isn’t just a racer—he’s a movement.
While NASCAR hasn’t officially confirmed the nature of the “done deal,” Elton Sawyer’s rare public praise for Cleetus hints at a significant collaboration, possibly involving a NASCAR-supported event hosted at McFarland’s Freedom Factory, a racetrack he bought and revitalized in Florida.
The move would be strategic for both sides. For NASCAR, it means reaching a younger, more digitally connected audience—a demographic they’ve struggled to retain in recent years. For Cleetus, it’s validation from the highest levels of professional motorsports, opening doors that were once reserved for legacy drivers and corporate teams.
As one fan commented on Facebook, “This isn’t just a win for Cleetus. It’s a win for all of us who love grassroots racing and real car culture.”
This moment marks a potential paradigm shift. Motorsports has long been viewed as an insiders’ club, dominated by big sponsors and seasoned teams. But Cleetus, with nothing more than a camera, a car, and relentless hustle, broke through the gate. His story proves that with skill, charisma, and connection to the fans, new blood can still rise.
In the age of streaming and social media, fans crave authenticity. Cleetus delivers that in spades, whether he’s ripping burnouts, swapping engines overnight, or rallying his audience to raise money for veterans and first responders. If NASCAR embraces this wave, we could be looking at a new era of racing—more inclusive, more exciting, and more relevant than ever.
“Done deal” might just be two words—but for Cleetus McFarland, his fans, and the future of motorsports, they could mean everything.
Whether you’re a diehard NASCAR fan or someone who just loves watching high-horsepower madness online, this is a moment to watch. The line between YouTube fame and professional racing stardom is blurring—and Cleetus is leading the charge.
Stay tuned, because if history has taught us anything about this man, it’s this: he’s just getting started.
