Ram Could Return to NASCAR with Cleetus McFarland

Here we go again—but this time, it feels like more than just the usual chatter. Ram might be heading back to NASCAR, and leading the charge could be none other than YouTube’s burnout-loving hero, Cleetus McFarland.

According to a report from Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern—one of the most reliable voices in motorsports business coverage—Ram is in serious talks to return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series by 2026. And what’s got everyone talking? A document reportedly lists Cleetus McFarland (real name Garrett Mitchell) as a potential driver and brand ambassador for the program.

McFarland has exploded in popularity with his over-the-top automotive content, building a social media empire that now boasts 4.4 million subscribers on YouTube—nearly three times NASCAR’s own following. And this isn’t just a stunt. He’s dipped his toes into real racing this year, making three ARCA starts with Rette Jones Racing. So far, he’s logged two Top-10 finishes, including an impressive 9th place at Talladega. NASCAR has embraced him too, featuring his in-car footage during races and pumping out his post-race interviews across their social channels.

While McFarland’s name brings star power, it’s the potential team partnership that’s turning heads. This isn’t the first time GMS Racing has been connected to Ram’s rumored return. Back in early 2024, rumblings began to surface about GMS being in discussions to support a factory-backed effort from Ram. Though GMS Racing recently announced plans to shut down its Truck Series team at the end of 2023, insiders say that might’ve been part of a larger restructuring to pave the way for something new—possibly even a reboot under a Stellantis-backed banner. With Mike Beam, GMS Racing’s President, staying quiet on the topic, it’s only added fuel to the speculation fire.

Add in a rumored dealer memo from March and whispers that Stellantis submitted an application to NASCAR to rejoin the series, and the smoke around this rumor is starting to look a lot more like fire.

If this all comes together, Ram’s re-entry into NASCAR would be its first since Dodge exited the sport after 2012. And unlike the traditional route with seasoned racers, this new direction would lean heavily on media-savvy personalities like McFarland to boost the brand’s appeal with younger, horsepower-hungry fans.

The prospective @RamTrucks team is expected to lean on celebrity partnerships and potentially ownership to grow its presence quickly in NASCAR. https://t.co/LixlpYMFDS

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) June 2, 2025

So far, neither NASCAR, Stellantis, GMS, nor Cleetus himself have officially confirmed anything. But all signs are pointing toward something brewing behind the scenes. Whether McFarland runs part-time, full-time, or just as a face for the brand, his involvement alone would make Ram’s return one of the most buzzworthy moves NASCAR has seen in years.

One thing’s for sure—we’ll be keeping a close eye on this one. Because if Ram and Cleetus McFarland really do team up, it’s going to be one wild ride.

Source: Sports Business Journal