Cleetus McFarland reaffirms Daytona 500 racing ambitions amid challenges
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 8:59 PM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, continues to pursue a spot in the Daytona 500. After a brief moment of doubt, he expressed his determination during a recent podcast appearance. Despite finding the transition to higher levels of racing more difficult than expected, he is enjoying the journey and plans to compete in both ARCA and Truck Series races this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Cleetus has also partnered with Richard Childress Racing, further fueling his goal to eventually race in the Daytona 500.
- •Cleetus McFarland aims for Daytona 500 after recent challenges.
- •He acknowledges the skill gap in competitive stock car racing.
- •Cleetus will compete in ARCA and Truck Series races this weekend.
- •His partnership with Richard Childress Racing supports his goals.
- •He finished 35th in the recent NOAPS race at Nashville Superspeedway.
- 8:59 PMMotorsport.com — Cleetus McFarland wavered briefly but still aims to race Daytona 500
- 8:59 PMYahoo Sports — Cleetus McFarland wavered briefly but still aims to race Daytona 500
"Garrett Mitchell (dba Cleetus McFarland) began this journey into high level Stock Car racing in the pursuit of an appearance in the Daytona 500, briefly wavered, and is now once again chasing that goal. He detailed that process during a Monday appearance on the Door Bumper Clear podcast. “When I set out with this with Greg Biffle, I called him up, and I said, ‘Biff, I want to run the ...Keep reading
"He's learned that this is way more challenging that he ever imagined
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comJun 2, 2026, 8:59 PMCleetus McFarland wavered briefly but still aims to race Daytona 500
Garrett Mitchell (dba Cleetus McFarland) began this journey into high level Stock Car racing in the pursuit of an appearance in the Daytona 500, briefly wavered, and is now once again chasing that goal. He detailed that process during a Monday appearance on the Door Bumper Clear podcast. “When I set out with this with Greg Biffle, I called him up, and I said, ‘Biff, I want to run the ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 8:59 PMCleetus McFarland wavered briefly but still aims to race Daytona 500
He's learned that this is way more challenging that he ever imagined
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