Garrett Mitchell, widely known as Cleetus McFarland, is gearing up for his NASCAR O’Reilly Series debut less than a month away, racing with Richard Childress Racing. With the highly anticipated event approaching, Dale Earnhardt Jr., a two-time O’Reilly Series champion, offered crucial advice on how to navigate the challenges of this competitive stage.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. emphasized the importance of staying clear of frontrunners during the race. He cautioned McFarland to avoid impeding the leaders’ progress, explaining that a driver’s ability to yield effectively will impact how they are judged on the track.
“There is a chance that you will be passed by the leaders. You will be judged by how well get out of their way.”
“I won’t tell you what RCR is going to tell you to do,” he continued. “But if one of them is coming by on the outside, don’t drive into the corner. Just lift that car length earlier to let them clear in, in front of you. The more you can make it a non-issue, the better.”
Under NASCAR’s current regulations, McFarland is allowed to participate in up to three races each season for two successive years, but he must prove his capability to continue competing. The upcoming race at Rockingham Speedway represents a key opportunity to demonstrate his readiness. Scheduled for April 4, the 250-lap North Carolina Education Lottery 250 Presented by Black’s Tire is expected to draw significant fan attention, with live television coverage on CW starting at 2:30 pm ET and radio broadcasts on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
McFarland’s immediate goal is to make a solid performance at Rockingham, with NASCAR deciding afterward whether he will be cleared to race again on April 25 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Set to Join zMAX CARS Late Model Stock Tour at Nashville Fairgrounds
In addition to advising McFarland, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is preparing for his own series debut in the zMAX CARS Late Model Stock Tour. He will compete in the upcoming event at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on April 11, backed by Bass Pro Shops. This marks Earnhardt Jr.’s initial participation as a driver in the tour he co-owns along with Kevin Harvick, Justin Marks, and Jeff Burton.
The Nashville race has been renamed the Tootsie’s Music City Showdown after Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge signed on as the title sponsor, thanks to the involvement of Justin Marks.
“I’m racing at Nashville Fairgrounds April 11. You know, I have a million things going on up here in my head? And looking around in there, I think it’s April 11, and I’m driving the Bass Pro Shops car at the Fairgrounds,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. “I don’t know if there’s anymore I need to say… I’m going to do a tire test here in a couple days so I’ll have a better idea of how fast it is.”
The 2026 zMAX CARS Tour season began last weekend at Southern National Motorsports Park, where Caden Kvapil, brother of NASCAR O’Reilly Series driver Carson Kvapil, claimed victory driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.
The Wider Implications of These Racing Developments
Cleetus McFarland’s NASCAR O’Reilly Series debut comes with high expectations, both for his personal career and for Richard Childress Racing, which seeks to nurture emerging talent. The advice given by Dale Earnhardt Jr., a respected figure in the sport, highlights the importance of strategy and situational awareness on the track, especially for newcomers.
Earnhardt Jr.’s own entry into the zMAX CARS Tour reflects his ongoing commitment to shaping the next generation of racing talent while remaining active behind the wheel. His involvement, as well as supportive sponsors like Bass Pro Shops and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, illustrates the collaboration that fuels NASCAR’s evolving competitive landscape.
As McFarland targets a strong showing at Rockingham and Earnhardt Jr. prepares for Nashville, fans can expect these events to play critical roles in defining racing careers and the dynamics of upcoming seasons. Observers will be keen to watch how these efforts influence the trajectory of the NASCAR O’Reilly Series and the zMAX CARS Tour alike.
Hell yeah brother. 🇺🇸🦅
Cleetus McFarland broke the news to @DaleJr that he's signed a deal with @RCRracing. pic.twitter.com/fgxPEY1ZFl
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) March 4, 2026
BACK IN THE SADDLE 🐎@DaleJr will be back behind the wheel of the No. 8 at Nashville Fairgrounds for the April 11th CARS Tour race. pic.twitter.com/rzV9GByU25
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) March 3, 2026
