Garrett Mitchell, widely known by his YouTube persona Cleetus McFarland, is preparing to make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway next week, as announced by Niece Motorsports on February 5. Mitchell is set to drive the No. 5 truck for Niece, which will be sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee.
This opportunity awaits final approval from NASCAR, with Mitchell scheduled to test the truck at Rockingham Speedway on February 10 to ensure readiness for the challenge.
Mitchell Expresses Excitement About Entering NASCAR
Mitchell shared his enthusiasm about stepping into NASCAR, highlighting the unique challenge of competing at Daytona in a Craftsman Truck.
“I’ve been lucky to drive a lot of really cool stuff, but Daytona in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck is a whole new level,”
he said.
“This is my first time in the series, so I know it’s going to push me way outside my comfort zone, and that’s what makes it so exciting. I’m incredibly grateful to have partners like Black Rifle Coffee Company, BRUNT and Niece Motorsports backing us every step of the way. We’re going to go have some fun and see what this thing can do.”
? Garrett Mitchell, Driver
Niece Motorsports Strengthens Its Driver Lineup for Daytona
Mitchell joins Niece Motorsports’ strong contingent for the Daytona race, which includes full-time driver Andres Perez and part-time truck competitors Travis Pastrana and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. This mix of talent provides the team with diverse experience on track, heightening their competitive potential at the iconic speedway.
Mitchell’s Racing Background and Upcoming Plans
Prior to this NASCAR opportunity, Mitchell competed in four ARCA Menards Series races during 2025 for Rette Jones Racing, achieving two top-10 finishes. He is also slated to return to the ARCA series with a part-time schedule in 2026 that will include another run at Daytona, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to growth in stock car racing.
Context and Significance of Mitchell’s Debut
Garrett Mitchell’s transition from his identity as Cleetus McFarland to competing in a top-level NASCAR event reflects a significant career milestone, influenced by his passion and support from sponsors and the racing team. His debut at Daytona is poised to attract interest both from NASCAR fans and followers of his online persona, bridging two vibrant communities. The upcoming test run at Rockingham Speedway will be a crucial step toward securing his place on the grid for one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races.
