From YouTuber to NASCAR Driver: Cleetus McFarland Expands His Racing Resume at Daytona

The racing influencer makes his Truck Series debut and ARCA Series return at Daytona International Speedway.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Garrett Mitchell, better known as 'Cleetus McFarland,' is making his NASCAR Truck Series debut at Daytona International Speedway on Friday and will also race in the ARCA Series the following day. McFarland, who has gained millions of followers as a racing influencer on YouTube, is expanding his racing resume after making four ARCA starts in 2025. He will be one of 36 drivers in the star-studded Truck Series event, which includes three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and X Games standout Travis Pastrana, who is McFarland's teammate at Niece Motorsports.

Why it matters

McFarland's transition from a popular YouTuber to a NASCAR driver highlights the growing influence of social media personalities in the sport. His ability to attract a large online following could help bring new fans to NASCAR, particularly among younger demographics. Additionally, McFarland's partnership with Niece Motorsports and sponsorship from Black Rifle Coffee and Brunt Workwear demonstrate the sport's increasing appeal to non-traditional brands.

The details

McFarland made four ARCA starts in 2025, with a best finish of 10th at Talladega. He crashed 17 laps into the season opener at Daytona but gained more experience and confidence throughout the year. For his Truck Series debut, McFarland will be one of 36 drivers in the field, which includes several Cup Series regulars and other notable names like Tony Stewart and Travis Pastrana. McFarland and Pastrana are teammates at Niece Motorsports and will be racing with a tribute to the late Greg Biffle, who was a NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee and one of seven killed in a plane crash in December.

  • McFarland will make his Truck Series debut on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • McFarland will also race in the ARCA Series on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • McFarland made four ARCA starts in 2025, with his best finish of 10th coming at Talladega.

The players

Garrett Mitchell

Also known as 'Cleetus McFarland,' he is a racing influencer who has gained millions of followers on YouTube and is now expanding his racing resume to include NASCAR.

Tony Stewart

A three-time Cup Series champion who is helping launch Ram's return to the Truck Series.

Travis Pastrana

An X Games and RallyCross standout who is McFarland's teammate at Niece Motorsports.

Greg Biffle

A NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee and one of the sport's top 75 drivers, who tragically passed away in a plane crash in December 2025.

Niece Motorsports

The team that McFarland and Pastrana are driving for in the Truck Series and ARCA Series.

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What they’re saying

“I've been called a YouTuber forever. I was like, 'Awwwe. That's sooo much better.'”

— Garrett Mitchell (AP News)

“Cleetus always downplays his driving skills, but he's a wheel man. He can wheel anything.”

— Travis Pastrana (AP News)

“I wouldn't be here without Biff. We're representing. I never really talked to him about trucks, unfortunately. This would have been so cool. He would have been so stoked that we're doing this.”

— Garrett Mitchell (AP News)

What’s next

McFarland will make his Truck Series debut on Friday, February 14, 2026, and then race in the ARCA Series the following day.

The takeaway

Cleetus McFarland's transition from a popular YouTube racing influencer to a NASCAR driver highlights the growing influence of social media personalities in the sport. His ability to attract a large online following could help bring new fans to NASCAR, particularly among younger demographics, and demonstrates the sport's increasing appeal to non-traditional brands and sponsorship opportunities.