Biography

Lawrence Garrett Mitchell, better known by his internet pseudonym Cleetus McFarland, is a renowned personality in the automotive and social media world. Born on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska, he initially followed a path towards law school in Tampa, Florida. However, his passion for cars and racing culture led him down a different road. Before becoming Cleetus McFarland, Garrett worked as a social media manager for the car media company 1320Video. His journey to internet stardom began at a Colorado racing event in 2015, where, as a joke, a friend introduced him as Cleetus McFarland while filming his commentary on a Chevrolet Camaro​​​​​​.

Garrett embraced the Cleetus McFarland persona, turning his back on law school after 18 months of study to focus on building his career in social media. He developed a significant following by creating content centered around racing culture, cars, and burnouts. Cleetus McFarland's content, often over-the-top patriotic, reflects a genuine appreciation for automotive technology and racing​​.

In a significant move in 2020, Garrett Mitchell purchased the abandoned DeSoto Speedway in Manatee County, Florida. His goal was to turn the neglected racetrack into a functional and popular racing hotspot. He shared his ambitious plans for the 63-acre site in a detailed video, indicating his intention to restore it to its former glory. The speedway, with a rich history of high-octane racing since the 1970s, had fallen into disrepair following the death of sprint car driver David Steele in 2017​​.

Garrett's YouTube channel, under the name Cleetus McFarland, was created in January 2009. He initially focused on his role with 1320Video before leaving to pursue a full-time career with his own channel. His online success has led to various ventures, including building racecars like a bodyless C5 Corvette with an exo-cage named Leroy, which gained a significant fan following, and a race car from an El Camino known as Mullet​​​​.

In his personal life, Garrett married Madison Mitchell in 2021. The couple is known for sharing their life on social media platforms like Instagram, where Madison, known as themadimitchell, has garnered a substantial following. They welcomed their son, Ripper, in 2022, adding another chapter to their family story​​.

In the world of motorsport, Garrett made his debut in the Stadium Super Trucks in 2022, competing in events such as the Long Beach, California race and the Music City Grand Prix. He achieved his first podium finish at the Bristol 1000 at Bristol Motor Speedway, finishing third in Race 2. Additionally, his Chevrolet El Camino, named Mullet, won 1st place at the 26th Annual Haltech World Cup Finals Import & Domestic Drag Races in November 2022​​.

Lawrence Garrett Mitchell's transformation into Cleetus McFarland showcases a unique blend of passion, humor, and entrepreneurial spirit, making him a prominent figure in the automotive and online communities. His journey from a law student to an internet sensation and motorsport enthusiast reflects his dedication to following his passions and creating a unique identity in the digital age.