Garrett Mitchell, known professionally as Cleetus McFarland, has been officially cleared to compete in the NASCAR Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. The announcement came via NASCAR’s official social media channels on Tuesday, confirming that McFarland will race for Niece Motorsports, marking an important milestone in his racing career.
After completing testing to secure his eligibility, McFarland prepared diligently, backed by sponsors Black Rifle Coffee Company and Brunt Workwear. His debut in the Truck Series is a significant step forward, following prior experience in the ARCA Menards Series last season.
McFarland’s Previous Racing Experience and 2026 Schedule
At 30 years old, McFarland earned respectable results in ARCA last year, including two top-10 finishes and a best placement of ninth at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His 2026 schedule will include select ARCA races for Rette Jones Racing, with his season kickoff slated for February 14 at Daytona.
Motivation and Long-Term Goals Fuel McFarland’s NASCAR Ambitions
McFarland’s ultimate goal remains to compete in the iconic Daytona 500. The recent loss of his close friend and mentor, Greg Biffle, has intensified his determination to reach higher levels in NASCAR.
“Greg Biffle, my mentor, passed away last month, so things are going to be a lot different,”
McFarland shared last month.
“I’ll admit to you guys that a month ago, when everything happened, I didn’t want to ever step foot in a NASCAR garage again. I didn’t want to race. Now that some time has passed, I have realized what would The Biff want. He would want me to continue racing and trying to climb the ladder in NASCAR.”
McFarland outlined the plan that he and Biffle discussed as a pathway to the Daytona 500:
“Knowing we had to be in ARCA, and then likely Truck, and then maybe the O’Reilly Series, and then Cup. You can’t just go race the Daytona 500… now I am prepared to complete that mission.”
An Emerging Racer with Growing Support and Ambitions
McFarland’s NASCAR Truck debut signifies a new chapter for the YouTube star turned racing competitor, as he transitions from social media presence to genuine contender in professional stock car racing. His involvement with Niece Motorsports offers a promising platform to develop his skills further.
His affiliation with sponsors and racing teams indicates growing confidence in his capabilities, while his plans for part-time competition in ARCA and participation at Daytona highlight his commitment to progressing through NASCAR’s ranks.
What Lies Ahead for Cleetus McFarland in NASCAR
Cleetus McFarland’s debut at Daytona not only fulfills a personal goal but also represents a dream many aspiring drivers share—the chance to compete on NASCAR’s biggest stages. His progression from ARCA to the NASCAR Truck Series reflects a deliberate and patient climb within the sport’s hierarchy.
The coming weeks will test McFarland’s adaptability and competitiveness against seasoned truck racers, with eyes on how far he can advance. With the legacy of Greg Biffle as motivation and a clear roadmap laid out, McFarland aims to continue pursuing his racing journey, potentially targeting the NASCAR Cup Series in the future.
NEWS: A bald eagle's getting its wings!
Cleetus McFarland has been cleared to make his @NASCAR_Trucks debut at @DAYTONA with @NieceMotorsport. pic.twitter.com/s7L8pRuWtl
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 10, 2026
