Garrett Mitchell, more famously known as Cleetus McFarland, made some shockwaves in the ARCA Menards Series community when the YouTuber, race car driver, racing event promoter, and influencer showed up to the Daytona International Speedway test session last week to turn some laps.
Hell yeah, brother! ? The rumors are true.
Cleetus McFarland is practicing at @DAYTONA! pic.twitter.com/T3dNv2Kn0g
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) January 9, 2025
Many expected Mitchell to do it with the intention of running some ARCA Menards Series events in 2025, and on Wednesday evening, Mitchell confirmed his intentions in a post shared on his Facebook page.
Mitchell is set to contest the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford Mustang with primary sponsorship from Kenetik Energy.
“Well folks, I was trying to keep it a secret but word spreads fast… we’re going NASCAR RACIN,” Mitchell said in the post. “February 15th I’ll be racing at Daytona in the No. 30 Kenetik Energy Gen 5 ARCA Mustang. Testing went awesome I just posted a video FLYING around Daytona with my mullet blowing in the wind.”
Mitchell is the owner of Freedom Factory, a 3/8 mile asphalt oval track in Bradenton, FL. Mitchell hosts various events at Freedom Factory including racing events, driving experiences, festivals, and car shows.
Now, in addition to being a YouTuber, racer, and track owner, Mitchell will be an ARCA Menards Series competitor.