Cleetus McFarland “Didn’t Exceed” Mark Martin’s Expectations at Rockingham

YouTuber turned racer Cleetus McFarland made his NOAPS debut last Sunday, and he impressed everyone including HOF Mark Martin.

Cleetus McFarland “Didn’t Exceed” Mark Martin’s Expectations at Rockingham

Mark Martin and Cleetus McFarland (Via IMAGO and motorsport.com)

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts series witnessed YouTuber turned racer Cleetus McFarland making his series debut at the iconic Rockingham track. He produced a run good enough for a driver with his limited experience, and was able to silence some of the haters that has been consistently criticising NASCAR for giving the racer an approval racer.

Now Hall of Famer Mark Martin has shared his thoughts on the racer’s performance on his appearance on the Door Bumper Clear podcast. He pointed out that though McFarland didn’t produce an expectation exceeding race, he did what was asked from him by running the whole race and finishing P32, one position better than his qualifying.

He didn’t exceed my expectations. I expected him to run about like he ran. He had a lot of assets going into that with the test and all the people that were surrounding him and helping him.

Mark Martin said on Door Bumper Clear podcast.

It was not an easy race for McFarland, not only because of his limited experience but also due to the track characteristic. Mark Martin highlighted this factor, by pointing at what it takes for a driver to race strong, while running in the midfield with the dirty air as well as other challenges.

I said on social media, ‘Yeah, this place is a lot harder than Daytona, eh?’ And it is. Dude, you don’t have any idea what it takes in the middle or the latter part of the pack at Rockingham.

Mark Martin added.

Further talking about the point, the veteran highlighted how McFarland was able to get out of messy situation owing to his racing talent. This proves the driver is capable of making some waves in NASCAR with enough learning as well as experience.

It was a tremendous challenge. He still got over his skis multiple times, but his driving talent saved it. Many other drivers would have wiped that car out in some of those slides and events that he had. I give him credit for that. I think he can drive. He’s just got to learn to drive these cars on these tracks.

Mark Martin asserted.

Mark Martin has been one of the biggest supporters of Cleetus McFarland

One major reason Mark Martin is really happy about the McFarland’s performance is the fact that he has long been a supporter of the driver. The HOF respects the viewership and the personality the YouTuber brings in to the sport.

Greg Biffle and Cleetus McFarland (via Instagram), Mark Martin (via NASCAR)
Greg Biffle and Cleetus McFarland (via Instagram), Mark Martin (via NASCAR)

McFarland highlighted this support ahead his debut while taking tp the media about the discussions in the community about him. He named Martin and ex-racer Kenny Wallace as the two big names that has always supported him.

I love Mark Martin. That guy has been so gracious to me. Honestly, he and Kenny Wallace have kind of been some of the few guys who have had my back. So, I love those guys.

Cleetus McFarland said.

The performance at Rockingham proved, the racer deserves more opportunities in the lower divisions and the next race he is looking to lock in a seat for is Talladega NOAPS event. It will depend on NASCAR approval decision, as many feels McFarland more experience before driving at Superspeedways.

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