Cleetus McFarland’s Berlin Raceway outing ended abruptly when a late‑stage spin collided with fellow driver Keith Herp.
The popular YouTuber‑turned‑racer had recently purchased a new Pro Late Model and used the Michigan track to sharpen his racing craft. Lewis quickly earned a 18th‑place qualification before finding himself in the top 20, fighting for a spot near the front.
Less than 20 laps remained when McFarland’s car got loose, spooling up the right‑rear tire and prompting a spin that brought Herp into the wreck. The incident ended both drivers’ nights before the final lap. During a FloRacing broadcast, McFarland admitted the mishap was self‑inflicted, stating, “I just suck,” and explaining that the overheating of the right‑rear had contributed to the loss of control.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. defended the driver in his episode of the Dale Jr. Download, stressing that learning to race requires putting the car on the track. “He’s been doing what people told him to do: running a short track, qualifying 18th, and holding his own in a competitive field,” Earnhardt said. “Wrecks happen at short tracks. You put the car back together, keep going, and you improve.”
Earnhardt noted that a subsequent 75‑lap event at Berlin, a couple nights after the crash, saw McFarland qualify strongly and put the car up near the front for 30 laps. He burned tires and faded to 13th, yet the effort still impressed the veteran. “He freaki‑f***ed it, loved it and was texting me about the fun,” the commentator said, highlighting the driver’s enthusiasm and rapid progress.
The incident illustrates that even a promising newcomer can stumble, but with continued on‑track time and confidence from seasoned peers, McFarland is narrowing the gap between aspiration and competition.
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