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. 13, 2026

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Garrett Mitchell, better known as "Cleetus McFarland" to his millions of YouTube followers, is expanding his racing resume this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. After making four ARCA starts in 2025, McFarland will make his Truck Series debut on Friday night and then race in the ARCA Series the following day. McFarland is feeling more comfortable at Daytona this year compared to his rookie ARCA season, when he crashed early in the season opener but found more success later in the year.

Why it matters

McFarland's transition from popular racing YouTuber to NASCAR driver highlights the growing influence of online content creators in the sport. His large social media following and unique persona could help attract new fans to NASCAR, while his racing skills will be put to the test against seasoned veterans like Tony Stewart and Travis Pastrana.

The details

McFarland will be one of 36 drivers in the star-studded Truck Series event at Daytona. In addition to Stewart and Pastrana, the field includes five Cup Series regulars. McFarland and Pastrana are teammates at Niece Motorsports, with Black Rifle Coffee and Brunt Workwear serving as sponsors. McFarland earned NASCAR superspeedway clearance following a test session at Rockingham Speedway on Tuesday.

  • McFarland will make his Truck Series debut on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • McFarland will race in the ARCA Series the following day, Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Garrett Mitchell

Also known as "Cleetus McFarland", a popular racing influencer and YouTuber who is expanding his racing resume by making his Truck Series debut and ARCA Series return at Daytona.

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 Cleetus McFarland's teammate at Niece Motorsports.

Greg Biffle

A former NASCAR driver who was named one of the sport's top 75 drivers and was a Hall of Fame nominee. Biffle tragically passed away in a plane crash in 2024, and McFarland and Pastrana are racing with tributes to him on their trucks.

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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)

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

— Travis Pastrana (AP)

“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)

What’s next

McFarland will look to build on his ARCA success and make a strong impression in his Truck Series debut at Daytona. If he performs well, it could open the door for more NASCAR opportunities in the future.

The takeaway

Cleetus McFarland's transition from popular YouTube personality to NASCAR driver showcases the growing influence of online content creators in the sport. His large social media following and unique persona could help attract new fans to NASCAR, while his racing skills will be put to the test against seasoned veterans.