Cleetus McFarland, who was one of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle’s closest confidants, presented a heartfelt tribute to his friend at Daytona International Speedway during the annual preseason ARCA Menards Series test. While many drivers used the occasion to honor the late Biffle, McFarland’s act stood out.
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His tribute involved a ceremonial burnout that echoed across the facility while his car carried a special message. NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace spotlighted McFarland on his podcast, calling him both a blessing to NASCAR and a devoted friend who exemplifies loyalty.
McFarland had arrived at Daytona to test the No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford, wrapped in a throwback livery from one of Dale Earnhardt’s Rolex 24 campaigns. And the car’s rear quarter panel carried a message: “Be Like Biff,” honoring how Biffle navigated life and extended helping hands to those weathering difficult times.
Wallace, who was himself left shaken by the news of the plane crash that claimed Biffle and his family, praised McFarland’s actions as nothing short of remarkable. “This guy is a gift from the man above, the Lord Jesus Christ, our savior. Cleetus is heartbroken like all of us over the death of Greg Biffle,” he said.
“Cleetus is the real deal. He is racing in the ARCA race, and they made a beautiful logo. ‘Be like Biff,’” said Wallace, before sharing an exchange that explained the tribute’s deeper meaning.
“So, one of the ARCA, not [an] official, but one of the ARCA marketing people went up to uh to Cleetus… [and] said, ‘What does it mean to ‘be like Biff’?’ And I really liked what Cleetus said. He said it means: Be nice to people, help people, and when I get enough experience to share my experience with other people. So, I like those three things that Cleetus McFarland said about Biffle,” added Wallace.
McFarland admitted that being on the track felt hollow without his mentor, his friend, Biffle, by his side. His driving ambition is to race in the Daytona 500 someday, a journey he started guided by Biffle.
McFarland now shoulders the responsibility of fulfilling that mission alone, feeling obligated to cross that finish line for the sake of his friend. During practice sessions, he emphasized his determination to hit the asphalt and honor Biffle through competitive performance.
The bond between McFarland and Biffle had strengthened over the past year and a half through their shared enthusiasm for automobiles, helicopters, and humanitarian efforts during Hurricane Helene relief operations. In late 2024, both mobilized helicopters to ferry aid after the devastating storm, sparking a rapid connection.
After that, Biffle stepped into a mentorship capacity for McFarland, channeling his expertise into the YouTuber’s ARCA pursuits and dispensing racing knowledge to McFarland’s substantial online following. That guidance had shaped McFarland’s approach to competition and deepened their relationship beyond the track.
