CARS Tour Veteran Landon Huffman Embraces ‘Resident Complainer’ Label Ahead of NASCAR Truck Series Return

During a recent guest spot on the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast, Noah Gragson jokingly dubbed Landon Huffman the “resident complainer” of the CARS Tour—a label that, while exaggerated, underscores Huffman’s expanding media presence.

At age 30, Huffman is set to return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on July 18 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, driving for Henderson Motorsports with a patchwork of sponsorship support.

He wants to clarify two points: first, he isn’t constantly complaining; second, his candid, authentic content has enabled him to build a career in short‑track racing, a path that is often difficult to sustain.

Huffman is a seasoned figure in the CARS Tour and Late Model Stock ranks, boasting victories in the regional series and championships at his home tracks, Hickory Motor Speedway and Tri‑County Motor Speedway.

Through his Huffman Racing Radio podcast, YouTube vlog, and social channels, he documents the triumphs and tribulations of life on the short‑track circuit, reminding fans that the experience isn’t always sunshine and roses.

“Sometimes it’s fantastic, sometimes it’s far from ideal, but either way it’s in the spotlight,” Huffman remarked. “When things go well, the excitement is palpable and people say, ‘Wow, look at that!’ and ‘What a great ambassador for the sport, Landon.’”

He adds, however, that his social media isn’t always filled with sunshine. “When things go wrong, I don’t sugarcoat it. I share my honest feelings because that’s what racing is—a series of highs and lows.”

Huffman believes that content that omits the struggles and controversies gives a misleading picture of the sport.

“And let’s be clear—I’m wrong plenty of days, and sometimes those feelings are just raw reactions after stepping out of the car,” he said. “I wear my emotions on my sleeve; if I’m frustrated, I’m going to exit the vehicle and tell you exactly why.”

He has learned the value of authentic storytelling from peers in the industry, notably forming a friendship with the Cleetus McFarland and Friends crew, even lending his Limited Late Model to George Siciliano (known as Squirrel McNutt) as he pursues an ARCA ride.

In addition, Huffman has raced alongside them in the Crown Victoria series at Indianapolis Raceway Park. His primary sponsor for the upcoming Truck Series start is BaldEagle.com, a brand owned by Cleetus McFarland.

Beyond that sponsorship, Huffman had to assemble the remaining budget through a mix of partners:

Chuck Ward, Newport Speedway
Hudson Autoworks
Scott’s Collectables
Athens Towing & Recovery
Southern Custom Electrical
Home Place Brewing
… and fans via social‑media crowdfunding

He describes the equipment he’ll have for this outing as “by far” the best he’s ever had across what will soon be six Truck Series appearances. Earlier attempts were simply about gaining seat time in the platform, not about winning.

Those earlier trucks weren’t race‑winning machines, although teams like Niece Motorsports and Young’s Motorsports have since claimed victories in the series.

Henderson Motorsports, which recently celebrated a win with Parker Kligerman, fields the No. 75 on a part‑time basis under crew chief Chris Carrier. The organization traces its roots back to 1982 and shares a history with Robert Huffman, Landon’s father and a NASCAR veteran.

“It’s a tremendous privilege to work with a family that’s been steeped in motorsports and NASCAR for generations,” Huffman said. “The Hendersons take enormous pride in the trucks they bring to the track, and they operate with a lean crew.”

“Chris Carrier is an old‑school veteran who actually worked with my dad during his truck‑series days, so we’ve known each other for years.”

“They used to bristle at the term ‘underdog,’ but they’ve come to accept it. They aim to be competitive despite having fewer resources and staff than larger outfits.”

“They possess the experience and know‑how to make a statement and contend. If I can mirror what Parker Kligerman does when he gets behind the wheel, I’ll consider the weekend a success.”

At 30, Huffman still aspires to reach a national touring level, yet he has also embraced the entrepreneurial side of Late Model Stock racing.

He hasn’t abandoned the dream of emulating drivers like Josh Berry, but he finds satisfaction in his current trajectory. A Truck Series start at North Wilkesboro could unlock further opportunities.

“I’m not necessarily chasing a lifelong short‑track career, but I’m content with it because I can race on weekends, support my family, and earn a paycheck working on these cars at Carroll Speedshop,” Huffman explained of his CARS Tour team. “Few drivers at this level can say the same.”

“I feel truly blessed to have this chance, yet I remain hopeful about racing full‑time at the national level. I think every short‑track driver, young or old, keeps that aspiration in the back of their mind.”

“Even if I spend my entire career in Late Models or only make a handful of additional Truck Series starts, as long as I can keep producing content and make a living, I consider myself fortunate to be part of the CARS Tour and to work on these machines.”

Not bad for the CARS Tour’s so‑called resident complainer.

“I should put that on a shirt,” Huffman laughed.

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