Cleetus McFarland Lands NASCAR Debut with RCR at Rockingham
Rockingham, NC – YouTuber Garrett Mitchell, better known as Cleetus McFarland, is set to make his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) debut at Rockingham Speedway on , Easter Weekend. McFarland will pilot the #33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), a team steeped in NASCAR history and the defending NOAPS driver champions.
The announcement, confirmed by RCR on , marks a significant step in McFarland’s transition from online personality to professional stock car racer. He has signed a two-year deal with RCR, initially outlining a three-race commitment for both 2026 and 2027. Beyond Rockingham, tentative plans include appearances at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.
“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,” McFarland said. “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.”
RCR’s pedigree is undeniable. The team boasts six NASCAR Cup Series championships, all achieved with the iconic Dale Earnhardt. Currently, RCR fields a strong NOAPS lineup with Jesse Love and Austin Hill, who hold the top two positions in the championship standings. McFarland will join them as a teammate, benefiting from the team’s established infrastructure and expertise.
McFarland’s path to NASCAR is unconventional. His YouTube channel is rapidly approaching five million subscribers, building a large and engaged audience. He began his racing journey with an ARCA debut at Daytona last year, an outing that ended in a crash. Undeterred, he continued to compete in ARCA, running four races throughout the 2025 season. He achieved top-ten finishes at both Talladega and Charlotte, with a ninth-place result at Charlotte representing his career-best in the series.
Earlier this year, McFarland made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut with Niece Motorsports in February, starting 12th but ultimately finishing 37th after a crash six laps into the race. He followed that with another ARCA start at Daytona, finishing 11th.
The Rockingham track itself presents a unique challenge. Known as one of the trickiest ovals in NASCAR, it demands precision and control from its drivers. Kasey Kahne drove the #33 entry at Rockingham last year, setting a benchmark for McFarland to strive towards.
Tommy’s Express will serve as the primary sponsor for McFarland’s debut, aligning the brand with a driver who embodies speed and performance. The partnership underscores the growing appeal of McFarland’s crossover appeal, bridging the gap between the digital world and traditional motorsports.
McFarland’s arrival in the NOAPS series has generated considerable buzz, as evidenced by Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s welcome message on social media. His story represents a new wave of drivers entering NASCAR, bringing with them a dedicated fanbase and a fresh perspective. Whether he can translate his online success into on-track victories remains to be seen, but his debut at Rockingham is undoubtedly a moment to watch.
The North Carolina Education Lottery 250 at Rockingham is scheduled for , promising an exciting Easter Weekend of NASCAR action.