Cleetus2 McFarland

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Lawrence Garrett Mitchell, known professionally as Cleetus McFarland, was born on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska^[1]. His automotive passion traces back to his childhood through his father's businesses, which included both a mobile car detailing service and a taxi cab company that operated multiple Crown Victoria vehicles^[2]. This early exposure to cars provided Mitchell with foundational knowledge that would later shape his career trajectory.youtubers+1 Mitchell's entry into the automotive media world began serendipitously at age 16 when he filmed a car race on his cell phone and sent it to Kyle Loftis, founder of 1320Video^[3]. In 2012, Mitchell approached Loftis about managing 1320Video's Instagram account, which had only a few hundred followers at the time^[3]. Starting his YouTube channel on January 28, 2009, Mitchell gradually took over 1320Video's social media operations while pursuing his college education^[1].dailydownforce+1

The Birth of Cleetus McFarland

The character that would define Mitchell's career emerged from an impromptu moment at Rocky Mountain Race Week in July 2015^[4]. During a late-night filming session in a parking lot, Mitchell adopted a comedic redneck persona while standing next to Tom Bailey's 3,000-horsepower Camaro^[3]. When Loftis asked what to call him, Mitchell suggested "Dale McFarland," but Loftis spontaneously blurted out "Cleetus McFarland"^[5]. The video, featuring Mitchell's "Made in America" catchphrase, went viral overnight, reaching nearly one million views on Facebook^[4].speakrj+2 This viral moment marked a turning point in Mitchell's career. Despite the initial success, he continued his education and even enrolled in law school, taking out student loans while building his YouTube presence^[3]. However, the growing momentum of his channel eventually led him to abandon his legal studies to pursue content creation full-time.dailydownforce

YouTube Success and Content Creation

Cleetus McFarland's YouTube channel has achieved remarkable growth, currently boasting over 4.5 million subscribers and approximately 1.96 billion total video views^[6]. The channel features over 1,700 videos spanning 16 years of content creation^[6]. Recent analytics indicate the channel generates between 5.6 million and 33.5 million views monthly, with estimated earnings ranging from $24,000 to $71,000 per month^[6]. youtube Mitchell's content focuses primarily on high-performance automotive builds, drag racing, and motorsports entertainment. His approach combines technical automotive knowledge with accessible humor, making complex racing concepts entertaining for both enthusiasts and casual viewers. The channel's consistent daily uploads and engaging personality have established Mitchell as one of the most recognizable figures in automotive YouTube content.

Racing Career and Achievements

Mitchell's transition from content creator to competitive racer has been marked by several significant achievements. His most famous racing vehicle, "Leroy the Savage," began as a salvage-titled 2001 Chevrolet Corvette that he transformed into a stripped-down drag racing machine^[7]. In 2018, Mitchell achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first driver to run a 7-second quarter-mile pass in a General Motors vehicle with a manual transmission^[8].youtubers youtube Another notable build, "Mullet," was constructed from a 1986 Chevrolet El Camino and features a 9.3-liter twin-turbo V8 engine^[9]. Mitchell has achieved multiple victories in drag racing competitions, including back-to-back championships at the World Cup Finals Import vs Domestic event in different classes^[9]. youtube In 2025, Mitchell expanded into professional stock car racing by competing part-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing^[1]. His debut at Daytona International Speedway generated significant attention, with the race achieving 1.16 million viewers—the highest-rated ARCA Daytona race since 2013^[10]. Mitchell has confirmed plans to continue ARCA competition in 2026 with an eight to ten-race schedule^[11].socialblade+1 youtube

Freedom Factory and Business Ventures

In January 2020, Mitchell made a transformative business decision by purchasing the abandoned Desoto Speedway in Manatee County, Florida, for $2.295 million^[12]. The facility, which had operated since the early 1970s and closed in 2017, was renamed the Freedom Factory^[13]. The 3/8-mile asphalt oval track with 12-degree banking had previously been known as "the fastest 3/8 mile speedway in the south"^[13].sickthemagazine+1 The Freedom Factory serves multiple purposes: content creation venue, event hosting facility, and racing destination. Mitchell hosts various events throughout the year, including the Freedom 500, Cleetus and Cars gatherings, burnout competitions, and driving experiences^[14]. The facility has become a significant revenue generator through ticket sales, merchandise, and corporate partnerships.youtube Mitchell's business portfolio extends beyond the racetrack. He owns a 20% stake in Motion Raceworks, a manufacturing company that produces race car parts globally^[15]. Additionally, he operates a substantial merchandise business, having recently invested in a 25,000-square-foot warehouse facility to handle order fulfillment^[16].reddit+1

Financial Success and Industry Impact

Industry estimates place Mitchell's net worth between $1.7 million and $10 million as of 2025^[17]. His income streams include YouTube advertising revenue, merchandise sales, event ticket sales, sponsorship deals, and business investments^[17]. YouTube analytics suggest monthly earnings between $5,600 and $89,000 from the platform alone^[17].cleetusmcfarland Mitchell's influence extends beyond personal financial success to broader industry impact. His events regularly attract thousands of attendees, many of whom are new to motorsports^[9]. The "Cleetus McFarland Effect" has been credited with bringing fresh audiences to drag racing and oval track events, particularly younger demographics who discover motorsports through his content. youtube

Safety Advocacy and Responsibility

Mitchell's commitment to motorsports safety became particularly evident following a serious incident at the Freedom Factory in November 2020. During a "Cleetus and Cars" event, participant Parker Whitlock suffered third-degree burns from a radiator hose explosion while wearing only casual clothing^[1]. This incident prompted Mitchell to implement mandatory fire suit requirements for all participants in future events, demonstrating his dedication to learning from accidents and improving safety protocols.youtubers