Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently offered invaluable NASCAR advice to Garrett Mitchell, better known as Cleetus McFarland, as he prepares for his debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series at Rockingham Speedway. Sharing his insights during an episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr. emphasized the importance of showing respect to the leaders on the track, a key focus point as McFarland joins Richard Childress Racing for the event less than a month away.
Earnhardt Jr.’s Advice For a Successful Debut
Garrett Mitchell heads into his initial O’Reilly Series race backed by two-time champion Dale Earnhardt Jr., who cautioned him on how best to handle encounters with the leaders during the event. The legendary driver underlined the importance of not interfering, stating:
“There is a chance that you will be passed by the leaders. You will be judged by how well get out of their way.“ – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Expanding on his point, Earnhardt Jr. offered tactical guidance for better on-track etiquette:
“I won’t tell you what RCR is going to tell you to do,”
he continued.
“But if one of them is coming by on the outside, don’t drive into the corner. Just lift that car length earlier to let them clear in, in front of you. The more you can make it a non-issue, the better,”
he added. – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
With this advice, Mitchell is being groomed to demonstrate not only his skills but also the sportsmanship required to earn a future in NASCAR’s major events.
Rockingham Debut Sets Stage for Cleetus McFarland
Cleetus McFarland must prove he belongs in the series, with up to three races allowed per season over two years if he makes the grade. The critical first step of his journey is set at Rockingham Speedway, North Carolina, during the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 Presented by Black’s Tire. Scheduled for April 4, fans can catch his progress live on CW at 2:30 pm ET, or follow radio coverage via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Mitchell has declared his immediate target as conquering Rockingham. Whether he successfully advances to the Nextel race at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25 depends on NASCAR’s assessment of his performance in this opening event.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Plans Own Championship Appearance
In a separate but related development, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set for his first appearance in the zMAX CARS Late Model Stock Tour, scheduled at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on April 11. It is the first time Earnhardt Jr. will participate in this series, with sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops fueling his effort. This occasion will also serve as the debut for the newly named Tootsie’s Music City Showdown, following the addition of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge as title sponsor, a move driven by Justin Marks.
Earnhardt Jr. discussed his anticipation for this event, commenting:
“I’m racing at Nashville Fairgrounds April 11. You know, I have a million things going on up here in my head? And looking around in there, I think it’s April 11, and I’m driving the Bass Pro Shops car at the Fairgrounds,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.
“I don’t know if there’s anymore I need to say… I’m going to do a tire test here in a couple days so I’ll have a better idea of how fast it is.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt Jr. co-owns the zMAX CARS Tour alongside Kevin Harvick, Justin Marks, and Jeff Burton. The latest season began at Southern National Motorsports Park, where Caden Kvapil, brother of O’Reilly Series regular Carson Kvapil, secured a win for JR Motorsports by piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet.
Looking to the Road Ahead in NASCAR
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s guidance provides Cleetus McFarland with a strategic entry point into the complex landscape of NASCAR racing, while the seasoned driver himself readies for new challenges in the CARS Tour and continues to shape the sport through JR Motorsports. As the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 approaches, all eyes will be on Rockingham Speedway to see how McFarland applies the crucial NASCAR advice he received. The results on April 4 may well shape the trajectory of his racing career and influence who next takes center stage in NASCAR’s competitive future.
Hell yeah brother. 🇺🇸🦅
Cleetus McFarland broke the news to @DaleJr that he's signed a deal with @RCRracing. pic.twitter.com/fgxPEY1ZFl
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) March 4, 2026
BACK IN THE SADDLE 🐎@DaleJr will be back behind the wheel of the No. 8 at Nashville Fairgrounds for the April 11th CARS Tour race. pic.twitter.com/rzV9GByU25
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) March 3, 2026
