Garrett Mitchell, widely recognized by his online persona Cleetus McFarland, is set to return to ARCA Menards Series racing this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Taking place on Saturday afternoon, the General Tire 200 will mark Mitchell’s bid to build upon his growing experience and aim for a top-10 finish in front of the World Center of Racing’s massive audience.
Having made his ARCA debut at Daytona, Mitchell’s first appearance was promising but cut short by two early incidents. Now equipped with increased knowledge and momentum from previous superspeedway races, including a recent top-10 at Talladega Superspeedway, he arrives ready to make a stronger impression alongside Rette Jones Racing.
Building Confidence Through Superspeedway Progress
Mitchell’s confidence is rising as he targets his third career top-10 in only his fifth ARCA start, hoping to shock the competition with a breakthrough win on one of the series’ most prestigious stages. His previous Daytona outing revealed strong speed despite an unfortunate outcome, illustrating the unpredictability of superspeedway racing.
“I’ve learned a lot since that first start, and the Rette Jones Racing guys have brought a fast hot rod. If we execute, stay out of trouble and put ourselves in position late, there’s no reason we can’t be in the mix with 10 to go. And once you’re there, anything can happen.”
?Garrett Mitchell, Driver
Mitchell has increased his superspeedway experience by adding two more races and additional practice sessions, sharpening his drafting skills and decision-making at high speeds near 190 miles per hour. This hands-on time is crucial in managing the complex aerodynamics and strategy unique to pack racing.
“Seat time is everything at these places,”
Mitchell explained.
You can study film and talk about it all you want, but until you’re in the draft making decisions at 190 miles per hour, it’s different.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is how the air works and how to manage the runs. Two races and a couple of practice sessions might not sound like much, but that experience adds up. I’m a lot more confident in the pack now, and that lets you focus on racing instead of just surviving.”
?Garrett Mitchell, Driver
Dual Series Debut Brings Additional Experience
This weekend also marks Mitchell’s debut in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, where he will pilot the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports on Friday night in the Fresh From Florida 250. Obtaining his NASCAR superspeedway clearance after a test at Rockingham Speedway on February 10, Mitchell is eager to transfer this newfound experience directly to his ARCA performance the following day.
The event gains further attention with action sports star Travis Pastrana joining Mitchell under the Niece Motorsports banner for the superspeedway weekend, bringing two crossover personalities together in one team.
“There’s no substitute for real race laps,”
said Mitchell.
Running the Truck race Friday night gives me another chance to feel the draft, understand the runs and get comfortable making moves in traffic. The goal is to take everything I learn and apply it right away on Saturday.
Though the driving dynamics between NASCAR trucks and ARCA cars differ, Mitchell views the core techniques of drafting, air management, and split-second decision-making as shared essentials.
“The Truck and the ARCA car definitely drive different, but the fundamentals at a superspeedway are the same,”
Mitchell stated.
You’re still managing air, reading runs and making split-second decisions in the draft. The more laps I get in that environment, the better I understand the rhythm of it — and that’s what really carries over.
Partnership with Kenetik Provides Performance Support
Mitchell’s effort on the track is backed by Kenetik, a ketone-based performance drink intended to enhance energy, focus, and mental clarity. Kenetik uses bioidentical ketones to deliver clean, sustained energy without relying on caffeine or sugar, offering 12 grams per serving to aid brain function and overall performance during intense competition.
“I’m excited to have Kenetik back with us for ARCA this season,”
Mitchell said.
They believed in what we’re building, and I take a lot of pride in representing partners who invest in our program.
“We’ve built something special together, and I’m committed to giving them maximum visibility both on the track and across our channels. As we continue to grow in 2026, I want to make sure Kenetik stays right there in the spotlight with us.”
?Garrett Mitchell, Driver
Support from Rette Jones Racing and Homage to Greg Biffle
Mark Rette, co-owner and crew chief of Rette Jones Racing, praises Mitchell’s visible growth and focus on mastering the demands of superspeedway racing. He anticipates that if their plan unfolds without incident, Mitchell could exceed expectations and contend strongly at Daytona.
“Cleetus has put in the work,”
Rette said.
You can see the progression every time he straps in. He’s more comfortable in the draft, he’s asking the right questions and he’s starting to understand the rhythm and decision-making that superspeedway racing demands. If we execute and stay out of trouble, I believe we can surprise some people.
In a somber tribute, Rette Jones Racing and Mitchell will honor the late NASCAR star Greg Biffle, who died in a December 2025 plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, along with his family members and others. The team embraces the rallying call Be Like Biff, reflecting Biffle’s competitive drive, generosity, and love for life as they take on this weekend’s challenge.
Additional Competitors and Race Weekend Details
Joining Mitchell at Daytona for the General Tire 200, Late Model standout Kole Raz will drive the No. 76 Ford Mustang under Rette Jones Racing in partnership with Wayne Peterson Motorsports. Raz’s participation continues the tradition of having a capable teammate sharing the track with Mitchell.
The 80-lap, 200-mile General Tire 200 opens the 2026 ARCA Menards Series season, offering 20 events throughout the year. Practice sessions begin Thursday afternoon, February 12, followed by group pole qualifying on Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET. The race is slated to start shortly after noon on Saturday, with live coverage on FOX television, along with radio broadcasts via Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, plus live timing streamed on ARCARacing.com.
The Road Ahead for Garrett Mitchell and Rette Jones Racing
Garrett Mitchell’s return to ARCA competition at Daytona represents a crucial step in his evolving racing career. Drawing on recent experiences in both ARCA and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, he aims to demonstrate not only improved skill but also the potential for a breakthrough victory amid intense competition.
With strong support from Rette Jones Racing, performance partner Kenetik, and fellow drivers like Kole Raz, Mitchell’s presence at Daytona is a focal point for fans and observers excited to watch a determined driver translate growing expertise into tangible results on one of motorsports’ biggest stages.
