Daytona Beach, Florida, February 13, 2026
Garrett Mitchell, known online as Cleetus McFarland, has officially made his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at the Daytona International Speedway. Driving the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports, his participation in the Fresh from Florida 250 is a significant milestone in his motorsports career. Following his recent NASCAR superspeedway clearance, Mitchell’s first race marks a transition from a content creator to a professional racer, further inspired by the legacy of late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Garrett Mitchell, widely known by his popular online persona Cleetus McFarland, is making a significant stride in his motorsports career by debuting in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series today, Friday, February 13, 2026, at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. This momentous occasion sees the prominent YouTuber transition into a professional NASCAR driver, taking the wheel of the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports in the Fresh from Florida 250 race. His entry into a national NASCAR series represents a major milestone, following a diligent process to gain eligibility for superspeedway competition.
Mitchell successfully earned his NASCAR superspeedway clearance earlier this week, completing a crucial test session at Rockingham Speedway on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Following this assessment, NASCAR officially approved his participation in the Daytona event on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. He joined his Niece Motorsports teammates, including motorsports icon Travis Pastrana, who is driving the No. 42 Brunt Workwear Chevrolet, and 2023 Daytona 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr., piloting the No. 45 J.F. Electric Chevrolet. Black Rifle Coffee Company is sponsoring McFarland’s debut effort. The Fresh from Florida 250 is renowned for its high-speed drafting and unpredictable nature, setting the stage for a challenging inaugural run.
A Journey from Digital Stardom to Professional Racing
Mitchell, 30, has garnered millions of followers through his engaging YouTube content focused on automotive culture and racing. His ambition to compete in top-tier stock car racing has been a long-standing goal, evolving from his online presence to tangible track experience. Last year, in 2025, he made four starts in the ARCA Menards Series, gaining valuable experience at renowned tracks such as Daytona, Talladega Superspeedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Bristol Motor Speedway. He achieved a career-best finish of ninth at Charlotte during his ARCA campaign. His experience at Daytona in the ARCA series last year, despite an early incident, has contributed to a greater sense of comfort and familiarity with the challenging 2.5-mile superspeedway for his current endeavors. Mitchell is also scheduled to compete in the ARCA Series again the day after his Truck Series debut, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The move to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series represents his inaugural start in a NASCAR national series, a significant step up from his previous ARCA Menards Series appearances. This transition is not merely a personal achievement but also a reflection of his dedication to the sport. Mitchell expressed increased comfort at Daytona this year, citing familiarity with the garage, personnel, and the track itself.
Honoring a Mentor and Future Aspirations
A native of Bradenton, Florida, Mitchell held a close connection with the late NASCAR great Greg Biffle. Biffle, who earned his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Daytona in 2003, served as an advisor for Mitchell’s ARCA debut at Daytona a year ago. Following a tragic December 18 plane crash that claimed the lives of Biffle and his family, Mitchell spoke at Biffle’s remembrance gathering, advocating the motto “Be Like Biff”. Racing at Daytona is, in part, a tribute to Biffle’s legacy. Mitchell’s No. 4 entry for Niece Motorsports will feature the same font style used by Biffle during his time with Roush Racing.
His ultimate ambition in motorsports includes one day competing in the prestigious Daytona 500, a goal he is meticulously working towards. The 2026 Truck Series opener at Daytona International Speedway features a robust field of 36 drivers, including notable competitors such as three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and X Games star Travis Pastrana. Mitchell’s participation in such a high-profile event underscores his serious commitment to stock car racing and his evolution from a digital content creator to a legitimate contender on the track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cleetus McFarland’s real name?
Cleetus McFarland’s real name is Garrett Mitchell.
What NASCAR series is Cleetus McFarland debuting in?
Cleetus McFarland is debuting in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
When and where is Cleetus McFarland’s NASCAR debut taking place?
Cleetus McFarland’s NASCAR debut is taking place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Which team is Cleetus McFarland racing for at Daytona?
Cleetus McFarland is racing for Niece Motorsports at Daytona.
What is the car number and sponsor for Cleetus McFarland’s NASCAR Truck Series debut?
Cleetus McFarland is driving the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado, sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee Company.
Has Cleetus McFarland raced in stock cars before?
Yes, Cleetus McFarland made four starts in the ARCA Menards Series in 2025, with a best finish of ninth at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Who are Cleetus McFarland’s teammates for the Daytona race?
Cleetus McFarland’s teammates for the Daytona race include Travis Pastrana (No. 42) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 45).
What is Cleetus McFarland’s ultimate racing goal?
Cleetus McFarland’s ultimate racing goal is to one day compete in the Daytona 500.
Key Features of Cleetus McFarland’s NASCAR Debut
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Name | Garrett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland) | Nationwide |
| Debut Series | NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series | Nationwide |
| Race Event | Fresh from Florida 250 | Nationwide |
| Date of Debut | Friday, February 13, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Location | Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida | State-level |
| Racing Team | Niece Motorsports | Nationwide |
| Car Number | No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado | Nationwide |
| Primary Sponsor | Black Rifle Coffee Company | Nationwide |
| Previous Racing Experience | Four ARCA Menards Series starts in 2025 (best finish 9th at Charlotte) | Nationwide |
| NASCAR Clearance Date | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Mentorship/Tribute | Inspired by late NASCAR great Greg Biffle | Nationwide |
| Long-term Goal | To race in the Daytona 500 | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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