After expanding his NASCAR schedule in 2026, Garrett Mitchell (AKA Cleetus McFarland) will earn his big opportunity at a championship in 2027.
On October 28, McFarland announced that he will compete for the 2027 ARCA Menards Series championship with Richard Childress Racing, running their No. 33 car on a full-time basis.
Robert Strmiska will serve as crew chief of the entry.
“Cleetus has an undeniable passion for racing and a work ethic that has impressed everyone at our organization,” said Mike Verlander, President of Richard Childress Racing. “Cleetus is a perfect fit for RCR. He’s earned this opportunity, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish over the course of a full season. Pairing Cleetus with Robert Strmiska gives him the support of a talented leader who is equally passionate about racing.”
The last time RCR competed in the ARCA Menards Series was 2011, or roughly 15 years ago, when future NASCAR Cup Series driver Ty Dillon won the championship.
The 31-year-old native of Bradenton, Florida, has made the effort to expand his NASCAR presence in 2026, including more ARCA Menards Series starts for Rette Jones Racing, a part-time NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series deal with Niece Motorsports, and two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races for RCR.
“This is a dream come true,” said Mitchell. “Ever since I got behind the wheel with RCR, I’ve wanted more. The goal has always been to become the best race car driver I can be, and running the full ARCA Menards Series schedule gives me that opportunity. Richard Childress and everyone at RCR believes in me, and having the support of a legendary team gives me a ton of confidence to focus on learning everything I can about stock car racing. I’m ready to get after it every week.”
McFarland’s breakthrough moment came during the Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 at Talladega Superspeedway in April, where he led his first laps in the ARCA platform. He finished a career-best second after Andy Jankowiak made a three-wide move to steal the victory.
Outside of NASCAR, McFarland is a popular motorsports/automotive YouTuber with 4.86 million subscribers. Most of his videos take place at his racetrack, Freedom Factory, a 3⁄8 mi (0.60 km) short track located in Bradenton, formerly known as Desoto Speedway until he bought the facility in January 2020.
With a team like Richard Childress Racing, McFarland will certainly emerge as the title favorite in 2027, with his prior experience at some of the bigger tracks, including Daytona, Talladega, Kansas, and Michigan.
Photo: James Gilbert, ARCA
