If there’s one thing we know about Cleetus McFarland, it’s that he never does anything halfway. Whether he’s building crazy-fast cars at the Freedom Factory or tearing up a burnout contest, his passion for speed is undeniable. But this time, the stakes were higher. No YouTube edits, no second takes—just him, an ARCA stock car, and Daytona International Speedway staring him down.
For a few thrilling laps, it was magic. For a moment, Garrett Mitchell—aka YouTube sensation-turned-racer “Cleetus McFarland”—was the greatest driver in the world. Barreling around Daytona International Speedway, dodging wrecks, and dreaming big behind the wheel of an ARCA stock car. The so-called “bald eagle” of motorsports was living large. Then, in a heartbeat, the day of his dreams turned into tragedy as Daytona did what Daytona does best—it bit back.
Cleetus did not lose his sense of humor even in adversity
Mitchell’s foray into the ARCA Menards Series was the most hyped storyline of Speedweeks. With more than 3 million YouTube subscribers and a devoted following, his debut at Daytona was more than a race—it was an opportunity for his fan base to support one of their own. He didn’t let them down, injecting his trademark energy and passion onto the track.
“Well, I was having the best day of my life, rippin’ around Daytona like a bald eagle,” Mitchell said, his enthusiasm still showing despite the bitter finish. “I was flat out, you know, avoided a wreck, which was awesome. I thought I was the best driver to ever exist in that moment.” For a young driver entering the high-speed chess game of stock car racing, Mitchell was competing. He sidestepped an early crash, enjoyed his hero moment, and even attributed his success to his signature cut-off sleeves.
“Rippin’ around Daytona like a bald eagle.”
Everything this man says belongs on a T-shirt. pic.twitter.com/Ed8ZRPwJzA
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2025
But as soon as luck smiled upon him, it reversed. “Then somebody slammed into my rear left corner, spun me out, lived through that, got some fresh tires, went back out there,” he remembered. “I’m hot-dogging into one and two, and the car lost it in front of me. I saw it, didn’t have enough brakes to slow down before it, and tried to go around it, misread it.”
Despite the disappointment, Mitchell maintained his signature good-natured humor. While waiting for the inevitable post-race interview, something else distracted him—an F-16 fighter jet taking off in the distance. “I’m a pilot of Consuela, you know what I mean?” Mitchell joked, mentioning his own plane. “I got essentially the baddest aircraft in the country, but that F-16 is cool stuff.”
That’s good ol’ Cleetus McFarland—the ability to inject humor into the situation at every turn. That first ARCA race might have not ended exactly as he might have liked it, but an impression was made. They could see for themselves the joy of a guy living his ultimate dream, as well as understanding that stock car racing is more unpredictable than any other form but just as wildly exciting.
Though his day at Daytona came to an early end, the Cleetus Nation is already counting down the days until something new. Whether that’s back in ARCA or some new motorsport endeavor, one thing is certain— Garrett Mitchell will return, likely with his sleeves rolled up and a bald eagle mentality ready to take flight. Let’s take a look at what ended his day out at Daytona.
Cleetus McFarland’s Daytona dream turns to chaos in ARCA debut
Daytona International Speedway doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time racer, the World Center of Racing demands respect. And for YouTube sensation Cleetus McFarland, his ARCA Menards Series debut was a trial by fire, filled with highs, lows, and an unforgettable crash.
Cleetus McFarland came into the Ride The Dente 200 with excitement and the full support of his massive fanbase. From the moment he took the green flag, he was locked in, embracing the moment and proving he could hang with the field. But as Daytona often does, it threw chaos his way. On Lap 5, disaster struck.
At the restart heading into Turn Two, a multi-car crash saw McFarland have to put an end to his promising run early. Amber Balcaen got loose and spun into McFarland, who swerved in an attempt to dodge another wreck but got his left rear clipped and spun him into the wall. Kyle Steckly was also collected in the crash.
“I zigged when I should’ve zagged, man,” McFarland said. “And bam! Blew the front end right off my hot rod.” Though his night ended in heartbreak, McFarland’s infectious enthusiasm remained. His first ARCA start may not have gone to plan, but one thing’s for sure—Cleetus McFarland put on a show, and Daytona won’t be his last rodeo.
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