In a strong nod to American values, NASCAR has unveiled a brand-new promotional commercial for the upcoming Daytona 500, emphasizing themes of freedom, massive horsepower, and unapologetic patriotism.
The 50-second ad, featuring popular automotive influencer Cleetus McFarland, has quickly garnered attention for its straightforward celebration of what makes America great – speed, liberty, and a no-nonsense attitude.
The commercial opens with McFarland standing on the frontstretch of the iconic Daytona International Speedway, hyping the race’s high-octane action.
“What can you expect from the Daytona 500? Only the most freedomatic race of the year,” the video is captioned.
It then cuts to visuals of roaring engines, American flags, and the thrill of turning at breakneck speeds. The spot positions the event as a quintessential American spectacle, free from any distractions and focused purely on the sport’s roots.
Check out this bad boy.
What can you expect from the #DAYTONA500?
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 14, 2026
Only the most freedomatic race of the year. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cOUoqMrLy7
NASCAR Daytona 500 Pro-America Commercial Strikes a Chord with Fans
As the green flag drops in just over a month, the new ad signals NASCAR’s intent to reconnect with its core audience. Industry insiders suggest it could boost viewership, drawing in those who appreciate the unfiltered celebration of freedom on the track.
With the U.S. flag waving prominently, the commercial serves as a reminder that in America, speed and spirit go hand in hand.
“What can you expect?” McFarland says in the ad. “Well, shoot, brother. We’re gonna be turning left. A lot of horsepower. A lot of freedom, yep.”
“It’s gonna be a ‘hell yeah, brother,’ situation.”
Fans on social media were loving it. Albeit, they were a touch salty about NASCAR maybe straying from their roots in recent years.
“About time you clowns at NASCAR woke up and realized the right way to do things,” one fan wrote on X.
Another wondered, “NASCAR re-identifies target market? Is someone actually paying attention over at HQ?”
Maybe. And it’s about time, brother.
Then there was this nearly poetic response in perfect English: “Cleetus is the best thing in NASCAR since Dale Earnhardt sr fire me up hell yeah brother let’s goooooo let the bald eagles loose and get the freedom soaring baby woooooo.”
Woooooo indeed.
Nascar, you guys smartened up
— Matt Bianco (@matttalllica) January 15, 2026
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The ‘Redneck’ Rebrand
NASCAR is clearly embracing a so-called “redneck” rebrand as part of its strategy to reclaim its traditional Southern and working-class identity. To many, it is a welcome return to the sport’s roots.
This shift is evident in the organization’s new “Hell Yeah” marketing campaign, which features high-energy commercials highlighting the sport’s raw excitement. They kicked it all off with a bar-setting ad for the 2026 Daytona 500.
This new one, though, has F-15s. And American flags. And hell yeah, brother, freedom!
Veteran NASCAR driver Ken Schrader lauded the effort, saying the pro-America roots are “what started our sport.”
“It’s that kind of stuff, and I say that, not always. But it’s always been. It’s been a big part of it, so yeah. You gotta do something,” Schrader said. “You gotta create some excitement. More power to them for going back to grassroots to create some excitement.”
“I like it.”
So do we.