In a world where car enthusiasts gather on YouTube to revel in the sound of roaring V8s, smoking tires, and adrenaline-pumping speed, few names shine brighter than Cleetus McFarland. From a YouTube hobbyist to building a motorsport empire, McFarland has captured the hearts of millions with his unique blend of humor, high-horsepower builds, and all-American freedom.
And now, he has taken his passion to the big leagues of stock car racing, stepping onto the legendary Daytona International Speedway for his debut in the ARCA Menards Series.
From Journalist to YouTube Superstar
Garrett Mitchell, better known as Cleetus McFarland, was born on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska. Before he became one of the biggest automotive YouTube personalities, he worked as a journalist for 1320 Video, covering street racing and automotive events.
Cleetus McFarland, the persona, was born as a joke. During a 1320 Video shoot in 2015, Garrett made an over-the-top, stereotypical redneck impression. The fans loved it, and soon after, the Cleetus character took on a life of its own. By 2016, he had launched his own YouTube channel, and the rest is history.
The Formula for Success: “Hell Yeah, Brother!”
McFarland’s content is a perfect fusion of automotive passion and entertainment. Unlike many traditional car YouTubers who focus on technical breakdowns, he prioritizes fun, high-energy action, and over-the-top horsepower madness.
His slogan? 🚗 More power, more freedom, more tire smoke!
With catchphrases like “Hell yeah, brother!” and “Do it for Dale!” (a tribute to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.), Cleetus has built a loyal fanbase of gearheads who love nothing more than seeing cars pushed to their limits.
The Cars That Built a Legend
Cleetus McFarland is known for creating some of the most insane car builds on YouTube. Here are a few of his most legendary machines:
1. Leroy – The Bare-Bones Corvette
Leroy is a C5 Z06 Corvette stripped of its body, revealing a skeletonized racing monster. With a twin-turbo LS engine, it has shattered records and dominated drag strips.
2. Ruby – The Twin-Turbo C6 Corvette
Ruby, a red Corvette C6, started as a budget-friendly build but quickly evolved into a high-horsepower beast.
3. The Bald Eagle – A Ford Crown Victoria on Steroids
The Bald Eagle, a former police car, has been transformed into an LS-powered burnout machine, perfect for Freedom Factory events.
4. Mullet – The 3,000+ Horsepower El Camino
Mullet is a Chevrolet El Camino that Cleetus modified into a Pro Mod-level drag car, capable of taking on the biggest names in the industry.
Freedom Factory – Owning a Racetrack
In 2020, Cleetus made a bold move by purchasing the abandoned Desoto Speedway in Bradenton, Florida, renaming it Freedom Factory. Instead of letting the track decay, he restored it and turned it into a hub for grassroots motorsports and wild YouTube events.
Events like "Cleetus and Cars" and "The 2.4 Hours of LeMullets" have made Freedom Factory a must-visit for motorsport fans, attracting thousands of attendees.
Cleetus McFarland's NASCAR Adventure – ARCA Menards Series at Daytona
On February 15, 2025, Cleetus McFarland made his stock car racing debut in the ARCA Menards Series at Daytona International Speedway. His entry into the world of oval racing was met with great enthusiasm, with over 40,000 fans tuning in to his live in-car camera stream.
Starting from 23rd position, Cleetus held his own against seasoned racers. However, on Lap 12, disaster struck. Amber Balcaen, driver of car number 70, lost control and collided with McFarland’s car, causing light contact with the inside barrier. He managed to recover and continued racing.
But just a few laps later, Balcaen lost control again, this time directly in front of Cleetus. With no time to react, McFarland crashed into her car, ending his race prematurely. He was officially credited with a 30th-place finish.
Despite the setback, Cleetus remained upbeat in his post-race interview, joking that he had just experienced what it felt like to "rip around Daytona like a bald eagle on steroids." His performance and energy brought a wave of new fans to ARCA, further proving his ability to bridge the gap between YouTube and professional motorsports.
For a closer look at his Daytona adventure, check out this video:
👉 Cleetus McFarland’s Crash at Daytona
Business Behind the Horsepower
Behind the rowdy persona, Cleetus is a savvy businessman. His brand extends far beyond YouTube, generating income through multiple revenue streams:
- YouTube Ad Revenue – Millions of views per video bring in steady ad earnings.
- Merchandise Sales – His brand, featuring "Hell Yeah, Brother" apparel and Freedom Factory merch, is highly popular.
- Live Events & Ticket Sales – With Freedom Factory, he hosts some of the biggest grassroots motorsport events in the U.S.
- Sponsorships & Partnerships – Companies like Texas Speed & Summit Racing collaborate with him for exposure.
This strategy has transformed Cleetus from a content creator to a motorsport entrepreneur.
Why Do People Love Cleetus McFarland?
Cleetus McFarland is more than just a YouTuber – he’s a culture icon in the automotive world. Here’s why fans love him:
- Authenticity – He’s a genuine car guy who never pretends to be something he’s not.
- Entertainment – His videos are an explosive mix of racing, humor, and high-speed action.
- Community – He has built a movement around car culture, freedom, and fun.
- Innovation – From buying a racetrack to bringing YouTube culture into NASCAR, Cleetus is always ahead of the curve.
The Future of Cleetus McFarland
Cleetus McFarland shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s competing in ARCA, building new insane vehicles, or creating legendary motorsport events, he continues to push the limits of what’s possible in the automotive world.
And if there’s one thing his fans know for sure, it’s that he will always do it for Dale! 🔥
By Chris...
Today was one of the must fun/greatest opportunities of my life! I went racing at Daytona, it was incredible, but things ended early as I got crashed out. I can't wait to race another ARCA Nascar race!
https://www.cleetusmcfarland.com/
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