NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin has raised questions about the approval process that allowed YouTube personality Cleetus McFarland, real name Garrett Mitchell, to compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. As Mitchell prepares for his series debut with Richard Childress Racing at Rockingham Speedway this season, Hamlin’s concerns have become a focal point in the broader NASCAR community, sparking debates about driver credentials and the influence of social media followings in racing decisions.
Spotlight on Cleetus McFarland’s Entry into NASCAR
Garrett Mitchell, known to millions online as Cleetus McFarland, has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in motorsports after signing a part-time contract with Richard Childress Racing for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Mitchell’s climb from the YouTube scene to professional circuits has fueled support from fans who are eager to see new faces and personalities on the track. However, despite the enthusiasm, his approval by NASCAR officials has prompted skepticism from traditionalists and key industry voices, including other drivers and former champions.
The core of the controversy centers on Mitchell’s relatively modest racing background, with just a handful of starts in the ARCA Menards and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series under his belt. With a high-profile debut scheduled at Rockingham Speedway and possible participation at Talladega on the horizon, discussions about the standards for allowing drivers into the sport’s upper tiers have reignited. Within racing circles, figures such as Dale Earnhardt, content creators, crew members, and team owners have weighed in, underscoring the intensity of the debate.
On a recent episode of his podcast, “Actions Detrimental,” Denny Hamlin, both an accomplished driver and team owner, made his stance clear regarding Mitchell’s rapid ascent and the procedures involved in NASCAR’s driver approval process.
Hamlin’s Views on NASCAR’s Driver Approval Standards
At the center of the current discussion is NASCAR’s decision to allow Mitchell into the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, a move many believe was influenced by his extensive digital reach rather than a proven on-track record. Indeed, since Mitchell’s involvement, there’s been a surge in viewership and online engagement surrounding the series, with spikes reported during his 2025 appearances and the 2026 Daytona weekend in ARCA and the Truck Series.
Despite this popularity boost, many in the NASCAR community wonder if the path to professional racing should be dictated by online stardom instead of track performance. Hamlin echoed these thoughts and openly advocated for stricter standards:
“I think that our approval process should be more tough than what it is,”
— Denny Hamlin
He continued:
“I think that there’s a certain standard that we need to hold to ourselves, certainly in the Cup Series.”
— Denny Hamlin
The sentiment within the community, including from fans and colleagues, reflects more frustration with NASCAR’s system than with Mitchell himself. Supporters recognize the value of fresh audiences but fear that lowering the bar could undermine the sport’s competitive integrity and put less-experienced drivers in challenging situations prematurely.
Recent Track Experience and Growing Pains for Mitchell
Although Cleetus McFarland has yet to serve in NASCAR’s premier Cup Series, he already faced the steep learning curve in the Craftsman Truck Series—most notably during a test and subsequent race at Rockingham Speedway. In that debut, Mitchell lost control of his truck and was involved in a crash only five laps into the event. Hamlin described his observations from the stands:
“I watched him [Mitchell] in that Truck race at Daytona, and truthfully, he was out of control for all 12 of the laps before he wrecked. You could just see, I could see it. I know this sport. I know what’s in control and out of control. And I was like, ‘Oh man, this is not gonna end well.’”
— Denny Hamlin
The incident has reinforced calls within the industry for NASCAR to exercise greater caution when green-lighting new competitors, especially at venues that can be especially unforgiving for rookies. Hamlin also pondered whether full-time championship contenders should have to contend with unpredictable entries from less experienced drivers in high-stakes environments.
Looking to the immediate future, Hamlin kept his advice for the upcoming Rockingham race succinct:
“Hopefully he can just not be part of the story. That’s the goal. I think that would be part of the goal, is just Cleetus just go out there, run some laps, enjoy yourself, have fun, get your content. He’s good, he’s a great guy. That is the deep end, that is the deep end, going to a track like that.”
— Denny Hamlin
Despite these challenges, Mitchell’s progression is evident even to his critics. Hamlin pointed out the positive trajectory in his ARCA performances over two seasons:
“From the first race he ran last year to the ARCA race that I saw at Daytona this year, he was better,”
— Denny Hamlin
“He was no doubt better. So I think he needs to just keep on his path, get you some more short track experience, intermediate experience, at some lower levels.”
— Denny Hamlin
NASCAR Community Reaction to Mitchell’s Promotion
The decision to allow Cleetus McFarland to debut in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next month has quickly become one of the hottest topics in the sport. Across social media platforms, from Discord to Instagram, fans and experts share their perspectives, balancing admiration for Mitchell’s authenticity and outreach with concerns about the long-term implications for driver standards.
Industry insiders—including drivers, legends, and crew members—acknowledge the excitement brought by new personalities, but persistently urge NASCAR to maintain its traditional rigor in granting series licenses. The spotlight on Mitchell’s entry serves as a catalyst for broader reflection on how the sport can harness creator-driven buzz while upholding safety and skill requirements for all competitors.
With the Rockingham Speedway debut approaching, attention will remain fixed on how Mitchell fares at this challenging circuit and whether NASCAR considers fresh revisions to its approval system. Should his presence draw new fans while demonstrating improved track discipline, it may inform future strategies both for team owners like Denny Hamlin and for NASCAR’s governing body as the series looks to grow its following without compromising its legacy of competitive excellence.
