Cleetus McFarland is set to make his return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Nashville Superspeedway on May 30, 2026, as confirmed by Richard Childress Racing. This announcement follows NASCAR's recent decision to deny him entry to the Talladega race, raising concerns about his future in the series due to restrictions on superspeedway participation. McFarland's season has been mixed; he crashed out in his NASCAR Truck Series debut at Daytona and finished 32nd at Rockingham in his O’Reilly debut. However, he has shown promise in the ARCA series, finishing fourth at Rockingham. Despite facing skepticism from some NASCAR drivers regarding his rapid ascent in the sport, McFarland remains committed, stating, “If NASCAR is letting me do it, I’m in.” Richard Childress, his team owner, has publicly supported him, emphasizing the value he brings to the sport and the fan engagement he generates. NASCAR continues to monitor McFarland's development closely, allowing for a controlled expansion of his racing schedule.