Overview
- Richard Childress Racing confirmed a part‑time, three‑race O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program for Garrett “Cleetus McFarland” Mitchell in the No. 33, beginning at Rockingham and including Daytona and Talladega.
- NASCAR cleared McFarland for national competition after a handful of ARCA starts and one Truck Series race at Daytona that ended in an early crash and 37th place.
- Veterans including Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Petty, Freddie Kraft and Tommy Baldwin Jr. criticized the rapid move, citing safety, diluted development standards and the influence of marketing reach.
- Brad Keselowski proposed series‑specific approval rules to restore a clearer ladder, suggesting high minimum start counts before advancing, and argued the system has lost its identity.
- Supporters point to RCR resources such as simulator access, Tommy’s Express sponsorship and endorsements like Mark Martin’s, while Rockingham is expected to inform any subsequent superspeedway plans.