YouTube stars Cleetus McFarland and Squirrel McNutt will compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series next year, per announcements from their respective teams. McFarland will run the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, while McNutt will compete in the No. 0 Ford for Rette Jones Racing.
McFarland and McNutt (real names Garrett Mitchell and George Siciliano) are familiar faces to the millions who subscribe to McFarland’s YouTube channel. Both have begun to garner professional racing experience during the 2026 season.
Cleetus McFarland to Richard Childress Racing
“This is a dream come true,” McFarland said. “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 has made eight ARCA Menards Series starts since 2025 with a career-best finish of second at Talladega Superspeedway in April. This year he also made his debut in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series.
When McFarland begins his full-time ARCA career, he’ll have Robert Strmiska as his crew chief. With experience dating back over two decades, Strmiska helmed McFarland’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts earlier this year.
Squirrel McNutt to Rette Jones Racing
“Cleetus has an undeniable passion for racing and a work ethic that has impressed everyone at our organization,” said Richard Childress Racing President Mike Verlander. 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.”
McNutt has made three ARCA Menards Series starts in 2026 with Rette Jones Racing. He earned his first top-10 finish in June at Michigan International Speedway. Heat Wave Visual will sponsor McNutt’s Rette Jones Racing entry. Team owner Mark Rette will climb atop the box as McNutt’s crew chief.
