Garrett Mitchell, famously known as Cleetus McFarland, has secured a part-time Richard Childress Racing deal, officially joining the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Announced in a recent social media update, the YouTube personality highlighted his goal to grow as a race car driver and expand his involvement in the world of NASCAR.
Details Emerge About McFarland’s New Racing Opportunity
In his public announcement, McFarland shared his enthusiasm for signing with Richard Childress Racing, one of NASCAR’s leading organizations. The new agreement outlines a part-time commitment, as McFarland will compete in three races per season with the hope of turning it into a more substantial arrangement in the future.
“Guys… I can’t believe I get to say this, but I’m officially a driver at Richard Childress Racing for the Oreilly’s Series,”
McFarland wrote.
“This is a part time deal (3 races a year right now) but hopefully it grows into something bigger. They called me and basically said we want to make you a better driver and give you an opportunity to grow in this sport…. To which I said HELL YEAH BROTHER.”
– Cleetus McFarland, Driver
The partnership will see Tommy’s Express Car Wash as McFarland’s primary sponsor throughout his two-year contract. He highlighted his appreciation for the chance and the team’s culture in another statement.
“My sponsorship partner is with Tommy’s Express Car Wash for the duration of my two year contract,”
McFarland continued.
“I’m so jacked, feel so lucky. Cannot wait to work with this incredible team! Be like Biff!!!”
– Cleetus McFarland, Driver
Background: A Growing Presence in the NASCAR Community
Sports journalist Jordan Bianchi, writing for The Athletic, reported that McFarland’s debut for Richard Childress Racing will be at Rockingham next month. The agreement arrives just after McFarland’s first appearance in the NASCAR Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Unfortunately, McFarland’s inaugural race came to an abrupt end when he lost control and crashed only six laps in, finishing last, but the experience signaled an important milestone for a digital creator with over four million YouTube subscribers.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Expresses Support for McFarland’s Progress
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been outspoken in support of McFarland as he transitions into professional stock car racing. While noting the early Daytona crash as a learning opportunity, Earnhardt stressed the significance of accumulating more seat time and experience:
“Is he ready to race trucks right now? No. Will he be, could he be? Yes,”
Earnhardt said on the Dale Jr. Download.
“He just needs to be racing more than he’s doing, and he needs to get more experience and get better.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hall of Famer
Earnhardt further remarked on how McFarland’s audience can benefit NASCAR as a whole.
“I want him racing in the Truck Series, I want him racing in NASCAR, I want him bringing his followers to our sport,”
Earnhardt added.
“But he needs a bigger library of experience.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hall of Famer
Expanding McFarland’s Racing Resume
Before his Truck Series debut, McFarland made five ARCA Menards Series starts in 2025 and successfully passed NASCAR’s mandated high-speed approval test at Rockingham Speedway. Plans are underway for a partial ARCA campaign in 2026, further broadening his competitive background as he joins Richard Childress Racing.
What This Means for McFarland and NASCAR
With a growing list of starts and the backing of key organizations, McFarland’s Richard Childress Racing deal signals another progression in his bid to transition from content creator to professional stock car driver. As NASCAR looks to connect with younger audiences and digital natives, McFarland’s involvement promises to draw new eyes to the series, while his performance on track will determine the long-term impact of this new chapter.
