Cleetus McFarland and Squirrel McNutt Shake and Bake at ARCA Talladega

Cleetus McFarland denied NASCAR O'Reilly superspeedway approval

Cleetus McFarland to make second NASCAR O'Reilly start at Nashville next month

The implication is that, again, all the other races they enter are all about maximizing the chances to contend at full-throttle superspeedway races. That’s certainly the case for ‘Cleetus,’ who was just denied by NASCAR to run this weekend’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Talladega as he continues to pursue an eventual start in the Daytona 500.

“Way to rub it in,” Cleetus said about the denial. “Just kidding.”

The denial came after he made his series debut at Rockingham on Easter weekend, where he finished the race six laps down in 32nd, spun once and nearly spun two other times. NASCAR also wanted to see him mix it up with other drivers more so until then, he’s still eligible to race ARCA and Truck superspeedways and will make his next NOAPS start at Nashville Superspeedway.

“Well, (Richard Childress Racing), when we first got the news back from NASCAR, which we kind of expected based on a hectic drive at Rockingham, that we were only approved for short tracks, we just looked at Nashville because it’s probably a safer bet,” Cleetus said. “The slower turns allow me to learn the car and horsepower, and it aligned with my schedule.

“Tommy’s Express Car Wash, it aligned with them. It kind of just worked out. We didn’t pick Nashville with any other intention other than working my way up and if it goes well, working my way up to bigger tracks and make it to Daytona in the spring.”

As in the spring O’Reilly Series race, and then targeting the Daytona 500 by 2028. For now, ‘Cleetus’ and ‘Squirrel’ are just going to take their real time reality show to the Talladega infield.

“Talladega is the most lawless place I have ever been,” Cleetus said. “It’s almost its own country and I just can’t believe how incredible it is inside the race track here. Like, it’s like entering a new country and I can’t believe they don’t ask you for a passport. I’m surprised the don’t rip your sleeves off.

“The lore of Talladega is like nothing else and it’s better than any other race track as far as having a good time goes. It’s incredible.”

To his point, the Talladega infield and parking lots are known for their almost lawless parties and it’s a crowd that really supports ‘Cleetus’ and ‘Squirrel’ too.

“There are a lot of great Americans,” Squirrel said. “They ride or die with us and that’s the best feeling in the world.”

‘Cleetus’ echoed that sentiment.

“They have their sleeves cut off and they’re great Americans that are excited to watch us turn left.”

They also addressed the Alabama vs Auburn thing before they left too.

Squirrel: “You’re not going to get me to say Auburn. Roll Tide.”
Cleetus: “I’ll second that. Roll Tide. That’s what everyone says to us when we’re out and about.”

And of course, one last thing before leaving:

Cleetus: “Sam’s Spray Wax, BaldEagle.com, 10 percent off. Use code: Dega.
Squirrel:  “Heatwave.com, code McNutt. Also, Shake and Bake.”

Shake and Bake.

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