Garrett Mitchell, widely known as Cleetus McFarland and a notable YouTuber-turned-driver, will compete for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Rockingham Speedway this April, marking his debut in the series. This move is significant Richard Childress Racing news, as McFarland will be behind the wheel of the team’s newly added third entry, the No. 33 car, supported by national sponsor Tommy’s Express.
Background of McFarland’s Racing Career
Garrett Mitchell transitioned from internet fame to professional motorsports, quickly making his mark. He first gained mainstream racing attention with five ARCA Menards Series races before entering the NASCAR Truck Series and making his debut in February at Daytona International Speedway. Mitchell has amassed a significant following, boasting 4.6 million subscribers on YouTube, where he shares his passion for motorsports with a massive audience.
Partnership with Tommy’s Express and Support Team
The partnership for this race brings together Richard Childress Racing, a powerhouse in NASCAR, and Tommy’s Express, a nationwide car wash company recognized for its involvement in motorsports. The entry benefits from leadership and guidance not only from Richard Childress, the legendary team owner, but also from key figures like Mike Verlander and Danny Lawrence, based in Welcome, North Carolina.
“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,”
continued Mitchell.
He added,
“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.”
Tommy’s Express Expresses Enthusiasm for the Collaboration
Alex Lemmen, Chief Executive Officer of Tommy’s Express, expressed excitement about supporting McFarland’s effort with Richard Childress Racing. He emphasized how the values of both their brand and the team align closely, highlighting the significance of the collaboration.
“We could not be more excited about hitting the track with Richard Childress Racing and Cleetus McFarland,”
said Alex Lemmen, Chief Executive Officer of Tommy’s Express.
“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,”
Lemmen added.
“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!”
Lemmen concluded.
Recent Racing Results and Experience
Mitchell’s recent race results underscore his growing experience in stock car racing. In 2025, he posted a 30th-place finish at Daytona International Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series and improved to 10th at Talladega and 9th at Charlotte. He also placed 17th at Bristol in the ARCA Menards Series. In 2026, Mitchell made his NASCAR Truck Series debut at Daytona, finishing 37th, and the following day, he secured an 11th-place result in the ARCA Menards Series at Daytona.
The Significance of McFarland’s Debut with RCR
This debut for Richard Childress Racing at Rockingham Speedway signals an important step in both Cleetus McFarland’s professional racing career and the ongoing evolution of RCR’s approach to driver development and fan engagement. By bringing a figure with a large existing audience and proven competitive ability into the team, RCR continues to innovate within the sport and increase its reach. As the event draws closer, fans and industry observers alike will watch with anticipation to see how McFarland performs in his new role and how this partnership might shape future initiatives in NASCAR.
