Cleetus McFarland

Cleetus McFarland is a motorsport content creator, race track owner, and larger-than-life personality best known for his high-horsepower builds, DIY racing events, and unapologetically American brand of car culture. Born Lawrence Garrett Mitchell on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska, Garrett originally set out to become a lawyer while studying in Tampa, Florida. That plan took a sharp turn in 2015 when a humorous character he created at a car show—Cleetus McFarland—went viral. What started as a one-off joke quickly grew into a full-time career, and by 2017, he had dropped law school entirely to chase a future in content creation and motorsports.

Since then, Cleetus McFarland has become one of the most recognized figures in the automotive YouTube space. His videos blend deep mechanical knowledge, over-the-top energy, and grassroots enthusiasm—whether he’s drag racing a twin-turbo El Camino, blowing up engines on a dyno, or hosting burnout contests at his own racetrack. What makes Cleetus stand out isn’t just horsepower or spectacle—it’s the personality, community, and storytelling that surround every build, event, and burnout cloud.... Show More

Cleetus McFarland is a motorsport content creator, race track owner, and larger-than-life personality best known for his high-horsepower builds, DIY racing events, and unapologetically American brand of car culture. Born Lawrence Garrett Mitchell on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska, Garrett originally set out to become a lawyer while studying in Tampa, Florida. That plan took a sharp turn in 2015 when a humorous character he created at a car show—Cleetus McFarland—went viral. What started as a one-off joke quickly grew into a full-time career, and by 2017, he had dropped law school entirely to chase a future in content creation and motorsports.

Since then, Cleetus McFarland has become one of the most recognized figures in the automotive YouTube space. His videos blend deep mechanical knowledge, over-the-top energy, and grassroots enthusiasm—whether he’s drag racing a twin-turbo El Camino, blowing up engines on a dyno, or hosting burnout contests at his own racetrack. What makes Cleetus stand out isn’t just horsepower or spectacle—it’s the personality, community, and storytelling that surround every build, event, and burnout cloud.

Building the Cleetus Ecosystem

The Cleetus McFarland YouTube channel features a rotating cast of wild builds and fan-favorite vehicles, including Leroy (a stripped-down C5 Corvette with no body panels), Mullet (a high-power El Camino built for the drag strip), and Ruby (a twin-turbo Corvette C7). Each car has a name, a narrative, and a devoted following. The content ranges from engine swaps and tuning sessions to cross-country racing challenges, all filmed with a mix of technical insight and rowdy energy.

Over the years, Garrett has built more than just a video brand—he’s created a self-sustaining motorsports universe where the line between digital content and real-life racing culture is almost nonexistent.

The Freedom Factory and Community Impact

In 2020, Garrett made his boldest move yet: purchasing the abandoned DeSoto Speedway in Bradenton, Florida. After extensive renovations, he reopened it as the Freedom Factory, a now-thriving venue that hosts events like Cleetus and Cars, Freedom 500, and Burnout Rivals. The track has become both a physical home for the Cleetus brand and a rallying point for fans and creators who share a love for grassroots racing.

He’s also competed professionally, taking part in events like the Stadium Super Trucks series, the Long Beach Grand Prix, and the Bristol 1000—earning real podium finishes while staying true to his YouTube roots.

Behind the Scenes

Garrett lives in Florida with his wife Madison and their son Ripper, who occasionally appears in videos. Despite the high-octane nature of his content, Cleetus McFarland has always been about more than just cars. His appeal lies in the way he combines humor, technical skill, and a deep appreciation for the garage-built spirit that powers much of American car culture.

Whether building a nitrous-fueled lawn mower, running laps in a Crown Vic, or welcoming fans to his track, Cleetus embodies a rare blend of entertainer, engineer, and entrepreneur. His journey from law student to full-time racer proves that passion—when paired with persistence and creativity—can build something far bigger than anyone expected.