NASCAR Shock Ahead of Daytona 500 — “Bald Eagle” Cleetus McFarland Officially Licensed to Compete in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Niece Motorsports, Turning Debut into High-Risk Experiment That Sparks Fierce Controversy and Rattles Tense Pre-Season Atmosphere!

NASCAR has just thrown one of its wildest curveballs in years.

Cleetus McFarland – the YouTube sensation known as “Bald Eagle,” famous for his fearless drag racing, burnouts, and no-limits automotive content – has been officially licensed by NASCAR to compete in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Niece Motorsports, sources confirmed late yesterday.

The announcement, which broke on social media and was quickly verified by both Niece Motorsports and NASCAR officials, means the 35-year-old internet star will make his official stock-car debut behind the wheel of the No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado in select Truck Series races this season – with the strong possibility of a one-off appearance at Daytona International Speedway in the next few weeks.

Cleetus himself posted a short, cryptic video on his channel this morning showing him in a Niece firesuit, holding a helmet with the iconic “Bald Eagle” logo, and simply saying:

“It’s real. Let’s go racing.”

The move has ignited instant controversy and disbelief across the professional NASCAR community. Veteran drivers, crew chiefs, and insiders have expressed shock, concern, and outright anger at the decision to fast-track a YouTube personality with no prior oval racing experience into one of NASCAR’s national series – especially so close to the biggest race weekend of the year.

Veteran Truck Series driver Ty Majeski posted on X: “This is either the boldest move in NASCAR history or the dumbest. Either way, I can’t believe they’re letting someone with zero oval laps in a real truck race at this level.”

Multiple anonymous Cup Series drivers told outlets that the decision “cheapens the sport” and puts safety at risk, with one veteran reportedly saying: “We bust our asses for years to get here. Now we’re handing keys to a guy who races Mustangs on YouTube? This is a joke.”

Niece Motorsports owner Al Niece defended the decision in a brief statement:

“Cleetus brings passion, a massive audience, and genuine love for motorsports. We’ve worked closely with NASCAR on his licensing process. He’s completed all required testing, medical evaluations, and ARCA-level preparation. This is about growing the sport and giving fans something exciting. Safety is always first.”

NASCAR confirmed that McFarland has met all licensing requirements, including successful completion of ARCA Menards Series testing, medical clearance, and a special evaluation by the NASCAR medical team. However, the governing body has not yet confirmed whether he will receive approval for a Daytona start, where speeds exceed 180 mph in the draft.

Cleetus’s massive online following – over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers and millions more across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch – makes him one of the most visible personalities in automotive content. His channel is known for high-risk stunts, drag racing records, and rebuilding wrecked vehicles, but he has never competed in a sanctioned oval stock-car race.

Fans are divided but electric:

Supporters: “Cleetus in a Truck at Daytona? This is the crossover we’ve been waiting for! Bring the chaos!” Critics: “This is a publicity stunt that disrespects real racers who’ve grinded for years. NASCAR is selling out.”

The announcement has only intensified the already tense atmosphere leading into Speedweeks. With ongoing controversies surrounding driver conduct, legacy disputes, and the radical 2026 Cup rules reset, adding a high-profile YouTube star to the Truck Series mix has many wondering if NASCAR is prioritizing entertainment over tradition.

The Truck Series opener at Daytona is scheduled for February 13 – one day before the Cup Duels. Whether Cleetus will be cleared to start remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the “Bald Eagle” is officially licensed, and the racing world is watching.

NASCAR’s biggest weekend is no longer just about the Daytona 500. It’s about whether the sport can survive its own wildest experiment yet.

🛑NASCAR Shock Ahead of Daytona 500 — “Bald Eagle” Cleetus McFarland has just been licensed to appear in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Niece Motorsports. Turning his debut into a risky experiment, this mysterious decision has sparked controversy among professionals and shaken the already tense atmosphere leading up to Daytona International Speedway.👇🛑NASCAR Shock Ahead of Daytona 500 — “Bald Eagle” Cleetus McFarland has just been licensed to appear in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Niece Motorsports.

Turning his debut into a risky experiment, this mysterious decision has sparked controversy among professionals and shaken the already tense atmosphere leading up to Daytona International Speedway.👇🛑NASCAR Shock Ahead of Daytona 500 — “Bald Eagle” Cleetus McFarland has just been licensed to appear in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Niece Motorsports. Turning his debut into a risky experiment, this mysterious decision has sparked controversy among professionals and shaken the already tense atmosphere leading up to Daytona International Speedway.👇