Popular YouTuber Lawrence Garrett Mitchell (aka Cleetus McFarland) is preparing to take one of the biggest leaps in his racing career as he sets his sights on a racing career. Nazca The Truck Series makes its season opener at Daytona International Speedway. But there’s a big catch: His participation in the Daytona Truck race is not guaranteed, as it depends on NASCAR approval.

Despite the recent announcement McFarland to drive No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado at Daytona for Niece Motorsportshis participation is subject to official approval from NASCAR. The governing body has scheduled a crucial test at Rockingham Raceway on Tuesday (February 10), in which McFarlane must demonstrate his readiness to drive a Truck Series contender.

Cleetus McFarland’s Daytona Trucks debut hinges on how he drives during the test season.

NASCAR reporter Joseph Srigley wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“McFarlane’s race at Daytona will be subject to approval by NASCAR, with testing scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, at Rockingham.”

Cleetus McFarland has a car-centric YouTube channel with over 4.6 million subscribers. He has been steadily building real racing credentials and made four starts in the 2025 ARCA Menards Series with solid results, including top-10s at Charlotte and Talladega.

Cleetus McFarland expresses his feelings about trying out for Daytona Trucks debut

Cleetus McFarland is both intimidated and excited about the opportunity to try out the Truck Series for the first time at Daytona. He thanked his sponsors and Niece Motorsports and recognized that it was their support that made the move to the top level of stock car racing possible.

In a team press release, the 30-year-old YouTuber-turned-NASCAR driver said:

“I’ve been lucky enough to drive a lot of cool stuff, but driving a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN truck at Daytona is a whole new level. This is my first time in the series, so I know it’s going to push me outside of my comfort zone, which is what makes it so exciting. I’m so grateful to have partners like Black Rifle Coffee Company, BRUNT and Niece Motorsports supporting us every step of the way. We’re going to have fun and see what this thing can do.”

Watch Cleetus McFarland play in 2026 NASCAR Truck Series The season opener, the Fresh From Florida 250, will air on February 13 at 7:30 pm ET from Daytona International Speedway (FOX).