In a twist that has NASCAR fans buzzing, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has just made a decision that could reshape the future of motorsports media and competition — and it all began with a YouTuber named Cleetus McFarland.

Cleetus McFarland, a social media juggernaut with over 4 million followers, recently competed in the ARCA race at Talladega. His appearance wasn’t just a publicity stunt — it was a performance that had even the most seasoned NASCAR insiders turning their heads. With roaring fan support and a camera in hand, Cleetus didn’t just race — he redefined what it means to be a driver in the digital age.

Most NASCAR drivers would envy his online reach. In fact, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Cleetus McFarland is introducing a new audience to the racing world — one that lives and breathes YouTube, not cable TV.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a legend in his own right and one of the most respected figures in the sport, has been quietly observing the cultural shift. According to insiders close to his media company, Dale Jr. has just made a monumental internal decision: to fully embrace the digital influencer era of motorsports — starting by opening the door to more crossover talent like Cleetus.

This isn’t just about YouTube. It’s about survival.

“With traditional viewership in decline, we’ve got to meet the next generation where they are,” one source inside Dale Jr.’s camp told us. “Cleetus isn’t just a racer. He’s a content machine. He’s proof that the future of racing won’t just happen on the track — it’ll happen on screens around the world.”

The decision comes on the heels of reported internal discussions within Dale Jr.’s racing and media businesses. Concerns about stagnation and relevance have led to a strategic shift, and Cleetus McFarland’s success at Talladega may have been the final spark.

Sources reveal that Dale Jr. is exploring partnerships with digital creators, restructuring sponsorship strategies, and even considering hosting a new influencer racing series under his brand.

It’s a bold move — but one that could inject fresh energy into a sport hungry for younger fans.

To understand why this matters, we need to rewind.

Cleetus McFarland — real name Garrett Mitchell — started his journey like many others: making car videos in his garage. His energetic style, fearless stunts, and deep love for all things fast made his channel explode. But unlike most content creators, Cleetus didn’t just talk the talk. He got behind the wheel.

His entry into the ARCA race wasn’t gimmicky. He trained hard, raced smart, and earned respect from veteran drivers and race fans alike. And he documented every step for millions to see.

That visibility is something NASCAR desperately needs. For a sport that once dominated the American mainstream, new faces like Cleetus represent a bridge to Gen Z and beyond.

Dale Jr.’s decision is more than just a personal shift — it could represent a turning point for how NASCAR and related racing leagues operate. Embracing the influencer generation means embracing unpredictability, authenticity, and a new kind of storytelling.

While traditional networks still matter, they’re no longer enough. Viewers want real-time access, behind-the-scenes drama, and drivers who speak their language. Cleetus delivers all of that — and Dale Jr. seems ready to follow his lead.

While no official announcement has been made, expect big news soon. There’s talk of a collaborative series, new media partnerships, and even Cleetus taking on more races in 2025. And Dale Jr. isn’t stopping there. He’s reportedly in talks with other major digital figures in motorsports to reshape how fans interact with the sport.

This isn’t just about Cleetus. It’s about changing the game.

So, what Dale Jr. just decided? It might be the smartest — and most necessary — move of his post-racing career.

And it all started with one YouTuber in Talladega.