NASCAR driver Ryan Preece recently revealed the paint scheme for his Crown Vic entry in the New England 900 event, generating buzz ahead of the anticipated race against YouTuber and part-time ARCA driver Cleetus McFarland. The New England 900, hosted at Stafford Motor Speedway, is set for July 18 and will feature several Crown Vics competing head-to-head.
The announcement came via Preece’s social media, where he shared a photo showcasing his Crown Vic’s aquamarine green, white, and black colors. RFK Racing echoed the excitement, tweeting,
“Ryan Preece. Cleetus McFarland. A field of Crown Vics. Friday might be the best race of 2025 ❗”
—RFK Racing
This matchup highlights Preece’s return to Stafford’s tight oval, where he will race alongside McFarland in what promises to be a thrilling contest for fans of Crown Vic racing.
New England 900 Event Schedule Packed with Racing Attractions
The New England 900 event offers a full lineup of high-energy races on both July 18 and 19. Alongside the main Crown Vic race on Friday, attendees will witness the Van Prix and other adrenaline-fueled competitions. Saturday’s program includes the Burnout Rivals contest and a Street Stock race, spreading diverse motorsport entertainment across the weekend.
Preece’s week at Stafford begins even earlier, as he will compete in the GAF Roofing Modified Masters 80-lap feature on July 16. This event marks his first modified race at Stafford since 2022, adding more anticipation for his performance throughout the week.
Cleetus McFarland Shares Insight on Favorite Car and Racing Origins
Host and competitor Garrett Mitchell, better known as Cleetus McFarland, discussed his passion for the Crown Vic in a recent interview with media outlet @chat.us.up. Asked about his favorite vehicle off the track, McFarland said,
“Besides my 1983 Winnebago, favorite car outside the track probably my car neighbor, 1000 horsepower Crown Vic (Ford Crown Victoria). Best car ever made.”
—Cleetus McFarland
This admiration for the Crown Vic has influenced his racing style and choice of vehicles, culminating in the forthcoming New England 900 Crown Vic race.
Reflection on Racing History and YouTube Success
McFarland spoke frankly about his past driving incidents, revealing a modest record despite his bold persona,
“I’ve got one criminal drag racing charge and just a couple speeding tickets—maybe four or five in 20 years.”
—Cleetus McFarland
He also reflected on his unconventional path into motorsports, which began through creating YouTube videos. McFarland explained,
“Just started making videos, and people enjoyed watching them, and we just built a great team.”
—Cleetus McFarland
This online community paved the way for his racing venture and brand expansion.
Teamwork and Sponsorship Drive Cleetus McFarland’s Racing Ambitions
Part of McFarland’s growth in the racing world stems from a business venture in which his group acquired a stake in the company Kenetik, enabling them to sponsor their own race car. He described the experience as,
“We bought a part of the company called Kenetik, and now we get to sponsor our own race car… it’s a lot of magic, and fun and really great group of people to support us.”
—Cleetus McFarland
This sense of community and backing will be on full display during the New England 900 races, strengthening the event’s appeal.
Upcoming Clash at Stafford Motor Speedway Promises Thrilling Rivalry
With Ryan Preece’s Crown Vic paint scheme revealed and Cleetus McFarland confirmed as both host and competitor, anticipation is building for Friday’s main event at Stafford Motor Speedway. The race represents a unique crossover of NASCAR talent and popular motorsport content creators, creating a captivating contest for fans.
The New England 900 will not only showcase Crown Vic racing but will also highlight the evolving connection between social media-driven motorsport personalities and traditional racing events, signaling an exciting future for this sport’s fan engagement and entertainment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Ryan Preece going in 2025?
A. Ryan Preece will drive the No. 60 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing in the 2025 season. In 2024, he drove the No. 41 car for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Q. Has Ryan Preece ever won a race?
A. Preece has raced in many NASCAR Xfinity Series events with Joe Gibbs Racing, achieving two victories. In 2021, he won his first Truck Series race during his debut. He also regularly participates in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, winning 25 races throughout his career.