NASCAR’s recent decision to approve Garrett Mitchell—popularly known as Cleetus McFarland—for a part-time drive in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has drawn pointed criticism from within the sport, notably from the team surrounding Bubba Wallace. This scrutiny comes as Mitchell is set to compete for Richard Childress Racing, leading to debates over NASCAR’s approval process and whether fan popularity is outweighing traditional experience, making Bubba Wallace NASCAR criticism a central topic.
Internet Personality and Racer Cleetus McFarland Joins Richard Childress Racing
Garrett Mitchell, recognized online as Cleetus McFarland, recently announced his new partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), which will see him compete in six races over the next two seasons in the No. 33 Chevrolet. This arrangement places him on the same roster as seasoned drivers such as Austin Hill and Jesse Love. Mitchell’s first scheduled race is set for Rockingham in April, and over the two-year period, he’ll participate in three events in 2026 and another three in 2027.
Mitchell’s background is quite distinct from typical NASCAR competitors, having built a significant following through YouTube and social media with automotive entertainment and motorsports content. Transitioning from content creator to driver, he entered the ARCA Menards Series and completed six races with Rette Jones Racing, establishing the start of his professional racing stint.
Controversy Sparks Inside the NASCAR Community
The decision to move Mitchell up the NASCAR ladder has ignited debate, primarily due to his limited competitive experience at higher-tier racing compared to most of his new peers. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series stands several rungs above the ARCA Menards Series, where Mitchell developed his initial track record. This rapid progression, according to some insiders, feels abrupt given his short career in professional stock car racing thus far.
Public dissent surfaced when Freddie Kraft, spotter for Bubba Wallace in the NASCAR Cup Series, took to social media platforms to question NASCAR’s vetting and approval procedures regarding Mitchell’s eligibility for the coveted seat. Kraft highlighted that incidents in some of Mitchell’s earlier races might suggest he could benefit from additional track time before stepping into a prominent role with RCR.
Key Industry Voices Express Concerns Over the Approval Process
Kraft’s criticism pinpointed what he regards as a potentially skewed balance in NASCAR’s driver selection, emphasizing that Mitchell’s extensive fan base may have influenced the governing body’s decision as much as, if not more than, his recent on-track credentials. While Kraft clarified that his scrutiny was not aimed personally at Mitchell, he underscored several noticeable incidents from the ARCA Menards Series to support his argument that the promotion may have been premature.
“”, Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace’s spotter
The topic quickly gained momentum online, with fans and other stakeholders weighing in. The dialogue focused largely on whether NASCAR should continue prioritizing large personal followings and outside influence, or if the competitive résumé should remain the essential standard for ascending drivers.
Shifting Pathways in Modern NASCAR
Mitchell’s route to NASCAR distinction stands apart from traditional drivers. Rather than developing through the customary ranks and series, he leveraged his digital presence to cultivate a substantial audience, becoming a recognizable brand in the motorsports realm. While this background has made him an intriguing addition for teams seeking expanded visibility, it has also intensified debates over what qualifications should carry the most weight in the talent pipeline.
This conversation extends beyond Mitchell alone. Kraft and other industry figures have previously raised similar cautions about the pace at which some content creators and social media figures are ascending to NASCAR’s top competitive tiers. The question remains whether the sport’s methods for approving drive entries are evolving too quickly in response to the modern media environment, potentially at the expense of proven racing credentials.
Combining Star Power and Racing Skill: The Response from Teams and NASCAR
Organizations like Richard Childress Racing see partnerships with drivers who have large online audiences—like Mitchell—as an opportunity to attract new spectators to NASCAR events. For NASCAR, the hope is that such drivers will help bring the sport into the social media age and expand its fan base beyond traditional audiences. This dual objective means each high-profile approval is met with both enthusiasm and skepticism, underscoring the tension between expanding the sport’s appeal and preserving its established competitive standards.
This debate appears particularly acute given that teammates Austin Hill and Jesse Love have followed more conventional development paths, moving through the stock car pipeline with years of track experience. Mitchell’s rapid entry into the same program casts a stark contrast and keeps the focus on the evolving criteria used to select new drivers for upper-level competitions.
Spotlight on Performance as the Season Approaches
Despite the ongoing discourse surrounding his seat, Mitchell’s six-race schedule with Richard Childress Racing is moving forward unchanged. His contract signals both NASCAR’s and RCR’s commitment to integrating new forms of notoriety into the heart of traditional stock car racing. Fans and critics alike await his debut at Rockingham in April, which could offer significant insights into whether such experimental entries will thrive or falter at this competitive level.
NASCAR has not issued any changes to its initial decision, confirming that Mitchell remains scheduled to make his series debut as planned. The coming races will provide an immediate—and highly visible—assessment of how Mitchell’s on-track performance stacks up against the attention and expectations surrounding his unconventional ascent. For Bubba Wallace’s team, the broader NASCAR garage, and a rapidly growing online fan base, the Mitchell case may soon reveal whether a new standard is being set for how drivers earn their shot at the top.
