Garrett “Cleetus McFarland” Mitchell’s entry into NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has ignited a debate across the racing world. Tension grew after NASCAR veteran Kyle Petty openly questioned the choice to bring the popular YouTuber into Richard Childress Racing’s national program.
Supporters highlight his improving racing skills and broad fan base, while critics question whether internet popularity should play a role in advancing to top-level racing.
Kyle Petty Questions the Promotion
Petty raised the issue during a post-race discussion. According to The Daily Downforce, he challenged the idea of promoting a driver with limited national-series experience into the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
While Kyle Petty recognized the business rationale, he questioned the message it sends about achieving NASCAR’s upper ranks. He reflected on his own start in the sport, admitting, “This is the pot calling the kettle black, let me go ahead and say that. Because when I started, and I was 18, I had no experience.”
Despite this admission, Kyle Petty argued that today’s drivers have many opportunities to develop before reaching NASCAR’s national divisions. He maintained that the sport should still value working through lower levels before stepping up to race with seasoned professionals.
“This is a professional sport, okay,” Petty said. “Let me be real clear here. NASCAR is the top. It’s the top of motorsports. It is the elite.”
Petty also highlighted the growing influence of social media in racing, arguing that online popularity should not outweigh practical experience when drivers seek opportunities in major series.
“All you have to do to be a NASCAR O’Reilly or Truck [driver], to get to that level, is to have your parents buy you a video game when you’re young, so you can learn how to drive on a sim, or have ten million YouTube followers.”
Mitchell’s Racing Experience and Recent Starts
Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, has gradually transitioned from creating automotive YouTube content to organized racing. According to The Daily Downforce, the 30-year-old has five career ARCA Menards Series starts and one NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series appearance.
Before his Truck Series debut in the 2026 season opener, Mitchell completed an approval test at Rockingham Speedway, experiencing a minor crash but still receiving NASCAR’s approval to compete.
He qualified well for Daytona but spun out after just five laps, ending his first Truck Series race prematurely.
Outside the major NASCAR series, Mitchell has driven Crown Victoria stock cars and participated in drag racing as he built his motorsports résumé.
Supporters believe Mitchell is continuing to develop his skills and adapt to the sport’s competitive environment.
RCR Deal and Upcoming Debut
Richard Childress Racing announced Mitchell’s part-time developmental deal, currently scheduled for three races in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
His debut is set for April 4 at Rockingham Speedway, but further races are not guaranteed.
Mitchell’s performance at Rockingham will determine if he qualifies for the next planned start at Talladega Superspeedway, adding another layer to his evaluation.
Petty later reiterated his concern that celebrity status influenced opportunities in racing. “I just don’t think that in this day and time when we have so many forms of race and so many ways to get here that just because you’re a celebrity or an internet sensation that you should be able to walk through the gates and get in one of these cars.”
He delivered his strongest statement later in the discussion.
“Don’t come here if all you are is an internet sensation because you’ve got no place on a racetrack with those guys at the Cup level, and you’ve got really no place with a lot of those guys at the O’Reilly level.”
The debate continues as Mitchell prepares for his Rockingham debut and NASCAR assesses his progress.
Kyle Petty Criticizes Cleetus McFarland NASCAR Entry