Cleetus McFarland, known off-track as Garrett Mitchell, is scheduled to make his highly anticipated NASCAR Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway this weekend, with his eligibility confirmed by the sport’s official sanctioning body on Tuesday. This marks a milestone moment for McFarland as he partners with Niece Motorsports and secures support from Black Rifle Coffee Company and Brunt Workwear, fulfilling a significant goal in his racing career.
YouTube Star Cleared to Compete in Major NASCAR Event
Gaining clearance to enter the NASCAR Truck Series debut required McFarland to undergo and successfully complete testing last week. His efforts paid off, and Niece Motorsports has named him for their entry in the upcoming Daytona event. Backed by noticeable sponsors, McFarland has quickly transitioned from racing in smaller series to the national stage.
“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, Official Announcement
At age 30, McFarland’s racing credentials include three ARCA Menards Series starts from the previous season, where he captured two top-10 finishes and placed as high as ninth at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His new racing schedule in 2026 features a part-time commitment in ARCA for Rette Jones Racing, starting precisely on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Daytona International Speedway.
Personal Motivation and Tributes Shape McFarland’s NASCAR Journey
For McFarland, racing at Daytona carries deep personal significance, especially in light of the recent loss of his mentor and friend, Greg Biffle. The impact of Biffle’s passing has added emotional complexity and drive to McFarland’s ambitions within the sport.
“Greg Biffle, my mentor, passed away last month, so things are going to be a lot different,” — Cleetus McFarland, Driver
Reflecting on this difficult time, McFarland explained that the events surrounding Biffle’s death initially left him reluctant to return. However, in contemplating what Biffle would want for his legacy, McFarland has become newly focused on progressing in NASCAR, motivated by the challenge and a shared dream with his mentor to race in 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.” — Cleetus McFarland, Driver
This debut is seen as a crucial step in the structured and demanding sequence of racing series that a driver must complete to reach NASCAR’s premier Daytona 500, honoring the pathway Biffle helped define. The journey through ARCA, Trucks, and potentially beyond represents both a tribute to his mentor and a demonstration of McFarland’s resolve to achieve at the highest level.
What Comes Next for McFarland and the NASCAR Truck Series
With his NASCAR Truck Series debut imminent and a schedule that includes further ARCA races for Rette Jones Racing in 2026, McFarland’s attention turns to delivering competitive performances while keeping his long-term aspirations in sight. Racing at Daytona not only signifies his arrival on a prominent stage, but it also marks the start of a personal journey driven by ambition, loss, and determination. Fans, supporters, and the broader motorsport community will be watching closely as McFarland embarks on this next chapter, setting his sights on climbing the ladder toward racing in the Daytona 500 one day.
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
