The 2026 NASCAR season is shaping up to introduce fresh faces into its national series, with two drivers linked to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) preparing for their debuts.
Garrett Mitchell’s Early Struggles and New Opportunity
Garrett Mitchell, better known online as Cleetus McFarland, made his Craftsman Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway with Niece Motorsports. He encountered trouble early, exiting the race before completing the full distance, but his performance earned him a multi‑race agreement with RCR in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Carson Brown, an RCR development driver, is set to contest the August 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Iowa Speedway. He will drive the No. 32 Chevrolet for Jordan Anderson Racing, marking his first appearance in a national series event.
A Shifting Landscape at RCR
Brown’s résumé includes six ARCA Menards Series starts this year, where he finished on the podium each time, as well as full‑time competition in the CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour and the ASA STARS National Tour, capturing four wins and two runner‑up finishes in six ASA STARS races.
The recent passing of Kyle Busch has left a void at RCR’s Cup program, creating uncertainty that could affect Brown’s pathway to a Cup seat. Meanwhile, the organization is planning for the 2027 season, with two vacancies in its O'Reilly Series lineup and a promotion for Jesse Love to Wood Brothers Racing’s Cup team.
Austin Hill is expected to assume the full‑time driving duties of the No. 33 Chevrolet for RCR in 2027, while the Hy‑Vee PERKS 250 at Iowa Speedway will be broadcast live on the CW Network beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET on August 8, 2026.