Overview

• Cleetus McFarland, also known as Garrett Mitchell, has outlined a measured plan to potentially debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at the 2027 Daytona 500, acknowledging the skill gap at the sport's highest level.
• McFarland has competed in diverse racing disciplines, including Stadium Super Trucks, drag racing, and the ARCA Menards Series, where he recently secured a 10th-place finish at Talladega.
• His in-car livestream during the Talladega race drew over 70,000 viewers on NASCAR’s YouTube channel, setting a record for the ARCA series and highlighting his digital influence.
• McFarland’s Freedom Factory racetrack, purchased in 2020, serves as a cornerstone of his brand, built on financial risks and a pivot from YouTube’s restrictions on street-based car content.
• Veteran drivers like Greg Biffle and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have mentored McFarland, endorsing his deliberate approach to progressing in professional motorsports.