Cleetus McFarland shatters his own record, clocks 261 MPH at World Cup Finals

NASCAR ARCA Menards Series driver Cleetus McFarland is on the way to his third World Cup championship and has set a new record at the Haltech finals. McFarland broke his previous record and set a new one, clocking a top speed of 261 mph in his Chevy Camaro with radial tires.

The 30-year-old began his content creation journey in 2009 and has been uploading content to YouTube since then. Previously, he worked as a social media manager for an automotive brand, and soon he resigned to pursue a full-time career in content creation. He debuted in professional racing in 2022 in the Stadium Super Trucks. He then took a three-year hiatus before returning on track and making a few appearances in the ARCA series this season.

Cleetus McFarland surprised the motorsport fans with his latest achievement during the Haltech World Cup Finals. He drove the Camaro on street-legal rubbers and had a reaction time of 0.058 seconds, while his rival, Eddie Perez, had a reaction time of 0.131 seconds. Following a solid start, McFarland achieved a top speed of 261.88 mph and qualified third.

Reflecting on his latest feat, the NASCAR ARCA Series part-time driver told FloRacing [00:49 onward]:

"We're out here setting records, and we're resetting our own record again. So, I'm fired up right now... Yeah, we're on version three of the windows. Cameron Johnson, uh, I know he's bummed about it. They spent all night fixing the windows with PumaR and 1320 Fabrication, a local Fab Shop. And now we know they're rated for 261. And we'll see what else they can take."

"But, uh, freaking stoked, man. This car has got all my parts on it at Motion Race Works, TVM Brakes, and uh I just couldn't be more proud of what it's doing right now. It's running so good," he added.

Cleetus McFarland competed in four events in the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series this season under Rette Jones Racing. He secured two top ten finishes at Talladega Superspeedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

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"I got my butt kicked, man": Cleetus McFarland expressed his emotions about the Bristol Motor Speedway race

In September 2025, motorsport enthusiast YouTuber Cleetus McFarland competed at Bristol Motor Speedway. He piloted the #30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing, marking his fourth start of the 2025 season.

McFarland qualified 20th for the main event on his first start at the half-mile oval track. However, the YouTuber juggled between 15th and 20th place during the race. Previously, he competed at Charlotte Motor Speedway and clinched a spot among the top ten drivers.

Comparing both tracks, Cleetus McFarland told Frontstretch media:

"I got my butt kicked, man. I think, as far as tracks where the driver's skills show the most, I found the one out of the four I've done because these guys put on a clinic for me. I think I started 20th or somewhere in there, because someone in front of me had to go to the back, and I ended 18th.”

“I'm not excited, I'm not mad, but those dudes in the front, oh my gosh! I don't have doors, or they'd be blown off because they were so fast,” he added.

Cleetus McFarland wrapped the Bristol Motor Speedway event in 17th place. Previously, the ARCA Menards Series driver made his debut at Daytona International Speedway and got involved in multiple wrecks before finishing the day in 30th place.