It has been quite the NASCAR experience for Cleetus McFarland in 2026.
The internet sensation kicked off the 2026 season making his CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at Daytona. Earlier this month, the 31-year-old made his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Rockingham.
That same weekend in Rockingham, McFarland posted a fourth-place finish in the ARCA Menards Series race for his first top-five effort.
Now, as announced on Monday, April 20, McFarland is taking another step in his NASCAR journey.
McFarland running O’Reilly Series race at Rockingham
McFarland took to his Facebook page on Monday to announce that he will be competing in the upcoming O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Nashville Superspeedway. It will mark his second start in the series.
The Nebraska native will be back behind the wheel of the No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. In the leadup to the race, McFarland plans to work closely with RCR in preparation for the race.
“I want you guys to all come out, see some action. I’m going to be doing a lot of training with RCR, a lot of simulator time. Really looking forward to getting back out on the track in that O’Reilly car. Lot of power. Got to dial in my turning left, so come on out,” McFarland said.
McFarland will also have Tommy’s Express Car Wash back as the sponsor of the No. 33 machine. RCR’s social media team took to X with a statement on McFarland’s return.
“He’s back! The [Tommy’s Express] No. 33 will be flying like an Eagle in Nashville on May 30th with Cleetus McFarland behind the wheel,” they wrote.
McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, broke onto the ARCA Menards Series scene last year. The YouTube star made four starts in the series, claiming two top-10 finishes.
This year, McFarland piloted the No. 4 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the Truck Series race at Daytona. However, his series debut ended on the sixth lap of the race after crashing on the frontstretch.
At Rockingham, McFarland qualified 35th and finished 32nd in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Rockingham. Despite spinning out on four separate occasions, McFarland managed to finish the race.
McFarland not yet approved for drafting tracks in the O’Reilly Series
Following his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Rockingham, McFarland was hopeful to get approved by NASCAR to race at Talladega.
Unfortunately for the internet personality, NASCAR pumped the brakes on his chances at racing on drafting tracks. As of now, NASCAR wants McFarland to develop more on short tracks before he makes the leap to superspeedways.
NASCAR sent out a statement in the wake of McFarland’s denied approval a few weeks ago via John Probst, the sport’s Executive Vice President.
“We’d like to see more out of Cleetus in the short tracks. So we’re not saying no, but there is more that we would like to see out of Cleetus before we would approve him for Talladega,” Probst said.
Off the racetrack, McFarland is best known for his social media presence. He has gained over 4.6 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.
Cleetus McFarland Taking Another Step in NASCAR Career