Cleetus McFarland, also known as Garrett Mitchell, recently shared on his Facebook page that NASCAR has not approved him to run superspeedways in the O’Reilly Series. Despite his attempts during a hectic race, NASCAR felt that they needed to see more from him, particularly in terms of running more ARCA and Trucks races. Cleetus acknowledged that he has only been in NASCAR for a year and understands the need for more experience on the track.
Although disappointed by the outcome, Cleetus remains optimistic about his future in NASCAR and is committed to gaining more “windshield time” to improve his skills. He sees this setback as an opportunity to learn and grow as a driver. Richard Childress Racing’s Danny Lawrence had also anticipated this decision, mentioning the importance of showcasing more skills and racing experience to NASCAR officials.
In a statement, NASCAR EVP John Probst expressed appreciation for Cleetus and his contributions to the sport, emphasizing the need for him to demonstrate more on short tracks before gaining approval for superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. The decision reflects NASCAR’s commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of all drivers on the track. Cleetus remains determined to continue his racing journey and hopes to eventually compete in prestigious events like Daytona and Talladega.
Fans and supporters of Cleetus McFarland are eagerly awaiting his next moves in NASCAR and are looking forward to seeing him succeed in the sport. His dedication, passion, and positive attitude will undoubtedly help him overcome this challenge and achieve his racing goals in the future.












