Better known by his alias of Cleetus McFarland, Youtuber Garrett Mitchell will be testing the Rette Jones Ford in the ARCA Menard’s Series test at Daytona International Speedway. Mitchell, known for his 4.06 million subscribers on YouTube, is heavily involved in drag racing and owns the ‘Freedom Factory’, a playground for racing, drifting, and automotive shenanigans.
Garrett Mitchell, Cleetus McFarland, to run the ARCA Test at Daytona
With the ARCA Test at Daytona roster released on Wednesday, January 8th, some notable names stood out of the 77 on the list. Helio Castroneves practicing ahead of his entry in the ARCA race, Katherine Legge, Corey Day. But for fans of high horsepower race cars and other automotive hijinks, Garrett Mitchell is one that got fans excited.
Known for his high horsepower antics and Crown Victoria police car races. YouTuber Garrett Mitchell, known as his persona as Cleetus McFarland, expands his racing career by testing the Rette Jones Ford at Daytona during the ARCA test. Mitchell, who started filming videos in his garage has expanded his racing empire to multiple high horsepower drag race cars, an oval track he hosts races at, and now an airstrip to pursue his passion for aviation.
Racing Experience
His Crown Vic races have drawn the attention of some of the nation’s best professional racers from across disciplines. Tony Stewart, Alex Bowman, Conor Daly, Hailie and Brian Deegan, Greg Biffle, and more. Cleetus even hosted a Crown Vic race inside of Bristol Motor Speedway. But Cleetus knows how to drive a race car. He drove his twin-turbo’d stripped Corvette around the high banks of Daytona and drove a dirt-late model around Bristol dirt.
Cleetus McFarland has taken part in Robby Gordon’s Super Truck Series, racing on the streets of Long Beach and Nashville as a part of the IndyCar weekends. He almost won his race at Long Beach, making a three-wide pass for the lead heading into the fountain curve. McFarland hit the last jump wrong and spun right before the finish line, making contact with the wall and finishing last.
Dragsters, Stock Cars, Offroad cars, even planes and helicopters, name it he has probably driven it. So it comes as no surprise for him to get the opportunity to run the ARCA Menards Series test at Daytona.
READ MORE: The Dirt of Bristol
About Rette Jones Racing
Founded by Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR races in the ASA Stars Tour, ARCA Menards ARCA East, and the Xfinity Series. Frankie Muniz most recently drove for the team in 2023. Muniz earned 1 top-five, 11 top-tens, and finished fourth in the championship. The #30 Ford only raced four times in 2024, with Muniz, Justin Bonsignore, Conor Daly, and Dylan Lupton making starts.
Noah Gragson raced for the team in the Xfinity Series in 2024. He finished top-5 at Nashville and three top-tens. Gragson also competed in the 2024 Snowball Derby with the team. He would finish 19th.
It's time for the 57th annual Snowball Derby! Tune in now on @FloRacing and don't miss @NoahGragson racing in the No. 30! #RaceDay #SnowballDerby #5FlagsSpeedway pic.twitter.com/JLrVOOhZmM
— Clear 28 Agency (@Clear28Agency) December 8, 2024
On the roster, Mitchell is shown to be driving the 30M for the team. He will have a teammate for the test in Kyle Steckly, who races ASA for RJR.
McFarland a big deal for ARCA:
While the test is not broadcast, it will probably be the basis for a great YouTube video. McFarland’s following across social media platforms has a reach of over 5 million. This is a great opportunity for ARCA to receive some great unpaid marketing. I highly doubt ARCA would grant him a license to race in the race at Daytona, but he does have a diverse resume of experience.
If he does race the ARCA 200, it would bring some eyes who might have never watched an ARCA race, or even a stock car race, to attend or watch the broadcast.
The ARCA Daytona Pre-Practice will take place on January 9th and 10th. Follow the ARCA Menards Series on X, @ARCA_Series, and Cleetus McFarland on Instagram at @garrett_1320video.
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