YouTube sensation Cleetus McFarland, known off-screen as Garett Mitchell, is gearing up to electrify the NASCAR world with his highly anticipated debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at the legendary Daytona International Speedway! This thrilling announcement comes as Mitchell, 30, not only aims for glory on the asphalt but also pays homage to his late mentor, NASCAR icon Greg Biffle, whose tragic passing has fueled his determination to chase dreams at full throttle.
In a bold move, Mitchell is set to take on a double-header at Daytona, competing in both the ARCA Menards Series season opener and his inaugural Truck Series race. He will be behind the wheel of the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports, pending NASCAR’s approval after a crucial test at Rockingham. With the backing of Black Rifle Coffee, Mitchell is poised to make waves in the racing community.
Last year, Mitchell made his ARCA debut at Daytona, which unfortunately ended in a crash. However, he rebounded in style, competing in four additional ARCA races during the 2025 season, where he secured impressive finishes, including a top ten at Talladega and a career-best ninth place at Charlotte. This year, he aims to expand his horizons, planning to enter at least four more ARCA races, but now with the added thrill of Truck Series competition on his calendar.
In a heartfelt reflection, Mitchell recently disclosed that he contemplated stepping away from his racing ambitions following the devastating plane crash that took the lives of the Biffle family and three others. Yet, instead of retreating, he has chosen to channel his grief into a fierce commitment to racing, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in NASCAR’s most prestigious event, the Daytona 500.
The Truck race at Daytona is shaping up to be a star-studded showdown, featuring a roster packed with elite talent. The competition will not only include seasoned Truck Series veterans but also NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart, extreme sports legend Travis Pastrana, and two former Daytona 500 champions, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Michael McDowell. Adding to the excitement, both Stenhouse and Pastrana will be Mitchell’s teammates at Niece for this high-stakes event.
As the countdown to Daytona begins, all eyes will be on Cleetus McFarland. Can this YouTube star transition from digital fame to racing glory? Will he rise to the challenge and carve his name into the annals of NASCAR history? Fans and racing enthusiasts alike are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in his exhilarating journey!
