Millions of eyes are glued to a single driver today. Garrett “Cleetus McFarland” Mitchell just checked the first box of an absolutely massive racing weekend at Rockingham Speedway.
The YouTube star survived 125 grueling laps around the abrasive North Carolina oval to secure a career-best fourth-place finish in Saturday morning’s ARCA Menards Series East race. He kept the car clean, managed his tires beautifully, and proved he belongs on the track. Now he faces a much bigger and vastly more intimidating challenge.
Cleetus McFarland Channels ‘The Biff’ at Rockingham
McFarland climbed out of his No. 30 Rette Jones Racing machine, visibly fired up after the ARCA race. He immediately credited his strong run to lessons learned from the late NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle. The 19-time Cup Series winner clearly gave the popular content creator a masterclass in car control before his sad demise.
Rockingham presents a massive learning curve for inexperienced drivers. The historic 0.94-mile track famously shreds Goodyear tires and punishes anyone who overcooks corner entry. Biffle specifically warned Mitchell about carrying too much momentum into the steep banking.
“I got a little tight out there, and I remember him telling me, you know, get some speed knocked out of it, turn the car, then get on the gas,” Mitchell noted, speaking to Matt Weaver. “Things like that I was able to apply and, like, really enjoy the drive today.”
The execution was flawless for a driver with extremely limited stock car experience. Tristan McKee ultimately took the checkered flag to open the ARCA East season with back-to-back victories. Mitchell methodically hit his marks and logged crucial seat time instead of forcing dangerous passes. He finished ahead of several highly touted developmental prospects.
PREDICT THE CHASE: PFSN’s NASCAR Season Simulator
“Wasn’t scared,” Mitchell explained. “Normally I’m a little scared. I didn’t feel scared at all. I felt like I’m like, I gotta get these guys in front of me. I just didn’t have the speed to get up, but the confidence is way higher.”
That newfound confidence is about to be violently tested. Mitchell transitions from the developmental ranks to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this afternoon. He straps into the No. 33 Tommy’s Express Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing for his official debut in NASCAR’s elite secondary division.
The jump in horsepower and competition level is staggering. He will share the track with aggressive veterans and hungry prospects desperate to reach the Cup Series. Mitchell fully understands the monumental leap he is taking.
“Now I’m gonna go in the O’Reilly car and probably be, you know, a little terrified, but I’m learning,” Mitchell admitted with a laugh.
STAY UPDATED: The Side Draft: PFSN’s NASCAR Newsletter
Rockingham demands absolute respect from the drop of the green flag. Mitchell proved he can manage his equipment during the morning ARCA sprint. The upcoming national series race requires a completely different level of stamina and precision.
He faces longer runs, vastly superior pit crews, and a pack of drivers who refuse to give an inch of track position. The internet sensation survived the morning session with a massive smile on his face. The real test of his racing career begins the moment those engines fire for the O’Reilly race this afternoon.
