Garrett Mitchell, popularly known as Cleetus McFarland, embarked on his journey into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the 2026 season's opening event. This article details his brief but eventful debut at Daytona, where an early race incident cut short his participation, alongside his reflections on the experience.
Momentary Glory, Sudden Halt: McFarland's Daytona Run
The Anticipated Leap to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
After gaining experience in a handful of ARCA Menard's Series races last year, Garrett Mitchell, widely recognized by his online persona Cleetus McFarland, stepped up to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the 2026 season's inaugural race. This marked a significant transition for Mitchell, moving into a more competitive circuit.
An Unfortunate Early Exit for Mitchell
Driving for Niece Motorsports, Mitchell showed promise by running within the top ten during the initial stages of his Truck Series debut. However, his race at Daytona concluded abruptly after merely six laps. While navigating a turn, Mitchell's vehicle lost traction, sending his No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado into a spin that resulted in a collision with the inner wall, ending his day prematurely.
Reflections from the Driver's Seat
Following the incident, Mitchell, though shaken, was unharmed. He later recounted the intense experience, expressing both the thrill of the early three-wide racing and his self-admitted error that led to the crash. He acknowledged misjudging the car's handling and overcorrecting, which ultimately caused the vehicle to hit the wall.
Looking Ahead: Another Race on the Horizon
Despite the setback in the Truck Series, Mitchell remains scheduled to compete in the ARCA season opener at Daytona, where he is set to start from the fifth position. His resilience and immediate focus on future races highlight his dedication to motorsports.
