Cleetus McFarland - Fresh From Florida 250 Race Recap
Event: Fresh From Florida 250 (100 laps / 250 miles)
Round: 1 of 25 (Season Opener)
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Date & Time: Friday, February 13 | 7:30 PM ET
No. 4 Black Rifle Coffee Company Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Garrett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland) | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett
Start: 12th | Stage 1: 37th | Stage 2: 37th
Finish: 37th | Driver Points: 31st | Owner Points: 37th
- Key Takeaway: Garret Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland) didn’t get the finish he was hoping for in his highly anticipated Truck Series debut. McFarland was the fastest Niece Motorsports driver in qualifying, starting the race off in 12th-place. Early on, however, he lost control of the No. 4 Black Rifle Coffee Company Chevrolet off turn four and made hard contact with the inside SAFER barrier. With too much damage to continue the race, McFarland would end his night sitting 37th.
- Cleetus McFarland's Post-Race Thoughts:
Interviewer: Cleetus, what sensation was the truck giving you?
“Well, the sensation was incredible. We were three wide, which was insane from the start. It was immediately three wide, which I wasn’t expecting, and it was insane. I mean, I was literally having the time of my life again, and I just did not check myself before I wrecked myself right there. I got loose coming out of turn four when I was flying, and I put too much wheel into it because I was getting a little tight because we’re freaking three wide on the second lap. I think I only made it seven laps. I was a little tight and I was just trying not to hit the guy on the outside, came off turn four flattened out, the truck sat down, I think I had too much wheel in it, and just started getting loose. I went right towards the field and I’m like, ‘damn, I’m about to wreck 30 race cars’, and I overcorrected like an idiot. That’s something Biff did not teach me right there. I went left and put myself on a trajectory to slam into the wall and wreck the truck, and now here I stand in the worst spot to do an interview in the entire Daytona International Speedway.”
Interviewer: Well, on a bit of a lighter note, I talked to you in pre-race, and you said that Carson Hocevar had given you some advice.
“Yeah, I mean, Carson told me that if I caused the wreck, I would usually not be in the wreck. But in this particular instance, I caused the wreck and was the only one to wreck. So, I’m starting to question Carson’s advice on whether or not I should be listening to him. But, he did win the stage, so that’s pretty sweet.”
Interviewer: Welcome to the Truck Series.
“Yeah, and I want to say thanks to Black Rifle Coffee Company, Niece Motorsports, and BRUNT Workwear for sponsoring me. I’m an idiot, wrecked the truck in seven laps, and that sucks. Thanks to everyone that tuned in.”
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.
Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).
About Black Rifle Coffee Company: Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) is a Veteran-founded coffee company serving premium coffee to people who love America. Founded in 2014 by Green Beret Evan Hafer, Black Rifle develops their explosive roast profiles with the same mission focus they learned while serving in the military. BRCC is committed to supporting Veterans, active-duty military, first responders and the American way of life. To learn more about BRCC, visit www.blackriflecoffee.com
