Ty Dillon Reveals How Cleetus McFarland Landed RCR NASCAR Deal

Dillon initiated conversations with the popular social media star to bring him into the sport.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Ty Dillon, a NASCAR driver, revealed how he helped facilitate a deal between Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Garrett Mitchell, better known as Cleetus McFarland, a popular social media personality. Dillon reached out to McFarland about the possibility of racing in NASCAR's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the two sides were able to work out an agreement for McFarland to compete in three races for RCR, starting at Rockingham.

Why it matters

This deal represents an effort by NASCAR to attract new, younger fans by partnering with a social media influencer like Cleetus McFarland, who has a large and engaged following. It also shows how veteran drivers like Ty Dillon can play a role in identifying and bringing new talent into the sport.

The details

Dillon said he reached out to McFarland after learning about him on social media, and the two discussed McFarland's goal of one day racing in the Daytona 500. Dillon then brought the idea to his grandfather, Richard Childress, who runs RCR. The key was ensuring that McFarland could stay true to his online persona and have fun with the opportunity.

  • Dillon reached out to McFarland about a year ago.
  • The RCR deal with Cleetus McFarland was announced on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • McFarland's first race will be at Rockingham.

The players

Ty Dillon

A NASCAR driver who helped facilitate the deal between Cleetus McFarland and Richard Childress Racing.

Garrett Mitchell

Also known as Cleetus McFarland, a popular social media personality who has signed a deal to compete in three NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races for Richard Childress Racing.

Richard Childress

The owner of Richard Childress Racing, the team that has signed Cleetus McFarland to compete in three races.

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What they’re saying

“I called him, I was like, 'Hey man, what do you think about this idea? I know you're wanting to race in NASCAR,' and asked him, like, 'What is your goal?'”

— Ty Dillon, NASCAR Driver (The Athletic)

“We would only want to do this if you can stay original to who you are. We wouldn't want this to take you off of who Cleetus is, what your channel is and what makes you fun and you have fun. And if we're not having fun doing this whole project, we're failing.”

— Ty Dillon, NASCAR Driver (The Athletic)

What’s next

McFarland's first race with RCR will be at Rockingham, and the plan is to continue growing his involvement in NASCAR while allowing him to stay true to his online persona.

The takeaway

This partnership between Cleetus McFarland and Richard Childress Racing represents NASCAR's efforts to attract a younger, more engaged fanbase by aligning with a popular social media influencer. It also shows how veteran drivers like Ty Dillon can play a role in identifying and bringing new talent into the sport.