Cleetus McFarland took the best result of his ARCA Menards Series East career on Saturday at Rockingham.
The social media sensation finished fourth in the 125-lap race early on Saturday afternoon, the perfect preparation for his NASCAR O'Reilly Series debut later in the day.
The race was won by 15-year-old Tristan McKee, his second in a row to start the season, after the teenager started from pole.
Speaking to the media after the race, McFarland said: "Honestly, I just went out there and turned left for Greg Biffle. I had more confidence today than I've ever had in a stock car. Even though I got the world against me, I got all these people here rooting for me.
"I was feeling good ... the Rette Jones Racing No. 30 was turning so good. I mean, I had the leaders in my sights the whole time. I was a little off-pace, but I can't believe it. I'm fired up and feel good!"
He went on to talk a little more about Biffle, saying: "I think he'd be happy I didn't do anything stupid. Biff didn't teach me dumb stuff, so I didn't do any dumb stuff today. I tried to use everything he's ever taught me."
McFarland will be back in action again on Saturday afternoon.
READ MORE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals Cleetus McFarland advice ahead of RCR debut
What time is the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race today?
Today's NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race from Rockingham Speedway takes place on Saturday, April 4, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Here are the start times converted to your local time zones.
| City (Time Zone) | Race Start Time |
|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC (ET) | 2:30 p.m. |
| New York, NY (ET) | 2:30 p.m. |
| Columbia, SC (ET) | 2:30 p.m. |
| Charleston, WV (ET) | 2:30 p.m. |
| Augusta, ME (ET) | 2:30 p.m. |
| Chicago, IL (CT) | 1:30 p.m. |
| Pierre, SD (CT) | 1:30 p.m. |
| Nashville, TN (CT) | 1:30 p.m. |
| Des Moines, IA (CT) | 1:30 p.m. |
| Montgomery, AL (CT) | 1:30 p.m. |
| Denver, CO (MT) | 12:30 p.m. |
| Salt Lake City, UT (MT) | 12:30 p.m. |
| Albuquerque, NM (MT) | 12:30 p.m. |
| El Paso, TX (MT) | 12:30 p.m. |
| Los Angeles, CA (PT) | 11:30 a.m. |
| Las Vegas, NV (PT) | 11:30 a.m. |
| Seattle, WA (PT) | 11:30 a.m. |
| Portland, OR (PT) | 11:30 a.m. |
| San Francisco, CA (PT) | 11:30 a.m. |
READ MORE: Cleetus McFarland hits out at NASCAR critics ahead of O'Reilly Series debut
