Garrett Mitchell, better known as Cleetus McFarland to his millions of online followers, will step onto one of motorsport’s biggest stages when he joins Richard Childress Racing for his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut in 2026. Scheduled to pilot the No. 33 Tommy’s Express Chevrolet, he will mark a new chapter for the popular YouTuber-turned-racer at Rockingham Speedway, showcasing his blend of digital charisma and on-track skill, and further strengthening the partnership between RCR and the fast-growing Tommy’s Express car wash brand. This Richard Childress Racing NASCAR debut is highly anticipated by both dedicated fans and motorsports industry insiders.
Bringing Digital Fame to the Track: Mitchell’s Transition into NASCAR
Mitchell, a native of Bradenton, Florida, has built a massive audience with more than 4.6 million YouTube subscribers tuning in as he chronicles his journey in motorsports and operates the Freedom Factory race track. His venture into NASCAR is the result of methodical progress through competitive racing, including standout performances recently in the ARCA Menards Series with top-10 finishes at Talladega Superspeedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, and his NASCAR Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway earlier in 2026. These achievements set the stage for his anticipated entry into the NOAPS circuit.
Partnership with Tommy’s Express Car Wash and Richard Childress Racing
Tommy’s Express—an innovative national car wash chain with over 270 locations spanning the United States, Canada, and France—will sponsor Mitchell’s debut run with RCR. The company’s state-of-the-art technology and commitment to quality reflect the ethos of racing: speed, precision, and constant improvement.
Mitchell expressed deep appreciation for this landmark moment, saying,
To have the opportunity to make my NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut with a legendary race team like Richard Childress Racing is a dream come true,
said Mitchell.
It’s a huge honor, and I am incredibly grateful to learn under the leadership of Richard Childress, Mike Verlander, Danny Lawrence and everyone in Welcome, North Carolina. Having Tommy’s Express on board for my debut makes it even more special. They’re a fast-forward brand that understands speed, performance, and connecting with people, which lines up perfectly with everything we are trying to accomplish.
Alex Lemmen, Chief Executive Officer of Tommy’s Express, voiced his excitement and emphasized shared values with RCR and Mitchell:
We could not be more excited about hitting the track with Richard Childress Racing and Cleetus McFarland,
said Lemmen.
We are humbled to partner with an iconic brand, company, and story such as RCR – our organizations share many of the same mission and purpose. Family-owned, multi-generational, vertically integrated, and on the cutting edge of speed, technology, and execution. We could not think of a better fit. When you add Cleetus McFarland as our driver, you truly have a dream team. Cleetus is not only a skilled driver and motorsports enthusiast, but also a genius marketer with an authentic connection to millions of his fans. We can’t wait to bring our shared energy, purpose, and execution to the racing world. Let’s Go!
Anticipation Builds for Rockingham Speedway Debut
Mitchell’s NOAPS debut will take place at Rockingham Speedway in April 2026, bringing additional excitement for his fan base and further connecting the world of online content to competitive motorsports. Richard Childress Racing’s established reputation in NASCAR ensures that the team, along with partners Tommy’s Express and Mitchell himself, are primed for an energized debut. Mitchell’s broad appeal and Tommy’s Express’s dynamic presence are expected to bring a new audience and added enthusiasm to the NOAPS series.
Significance of the Debut for NASCAR and Digital Audiences
Cleetus McFarland’s transition from digital entertainer to professional race car driver signifies an ever-growing influence of online personalities in traditional sports, particularly motorsports. People like Mike Verlander, Danny Lawrence, and the extended RCR team are set to play a crucial role in guiding Mitchell through his debut season. With this Richard Childress Racing NASCAR debut, both the motorsports and digital content communities will be watching closely to see how Mitchell’s unique brand translates on the track and what impact it could have on fan engagement and the broader NASCAR landscape.
Mitchell’s journey reflects a broader movement in racing, merging vibrant online communities with established racing institutions. As this crossover continues, it is likely to reshape both the audience demographics and the nature of engagement within the sport, with fans, partners, and NASCAR itself all set to benefit from the new perspectives and energy that Mitchell and companies like Tommy’s Express bring to the track.
