Cleetus McFarland: The Journey from YouTube Stardom to the Racing Track
Lawrence Garrett Mitchell, an American YouTuber, automobile engineer, and racing driver, has carved a unique path in the digital and motorsports worlds. Professionally known as Cleetus Mitchell, his rise to fame began with his YouTube channel, Cleetus McFarland, which he launched in 2009. Today, the channel boasts over four million subscribers and has accumulated more than 1.8 billion total views, making it a powerhouse in automotive entertainment.
Early Life and YouTube Beginnings
Mitchell was born on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska. His foray into content creation started in 2009 when he launched his YouTube channel. Simultaneously, he took on the role of social media manager for the company 1320Video. However, in a pivotal career move, Mitchell decided to leave 1320Video to focus full-time on building his YouTube presence. In 2015, he adopted the pen name Cleetus McFarland, inspired by a character he created that went viral at Rocky Mountain Drag Week. This name not only became his online persona but also the official title of his channel.
Content and Viral Success
McFarland's channel features a diverse range of vehicular content, from drag racing to car builds. He gained a massive following after constructing Leroy, a bodiless Chevrolet Corvette C5 equipped with an exo-cage. With Leroy, McFarland achieved numerous world and personal records, winning multiple trophies and solidifying his reputation in the automotive community. Additionally, he frequently showcases his Freedom Factory, a racetrack in Bradenton, Florida, which he purchased in early 2020. Formerly known as DeSoto Speedway, this track has become a central hub for his racing endeavors and content creation.
Transition to Professional Racing
McFarland's passion for racing extended beyond YouTube, leading him to pursue a professional career. In 2022, he made his debut in the Stadium Super Trucks series, driving the No. 1776 truck. Despite a close loss in the second race at Long Beach, California, after spinning out on the final jump, he finished the season in ninth place in the drivers' championship with 84 points. That same year, he participated in the Haltech World Cup Finals Import & Domestic Drag Races, winning the McLeod Racing Warriors vs. Tres Cuarto class. He returned in 2023 to win the Grannas Racing stick shift class with his iconic car, Leroy.
Stock Car Racing and ARCA Debut
In early 2025, McFarland expanded his racing portfolio by making his stock car racing debut in the ARCA Menards Series. Competing under his birth name, Garrett Mitchell, he drove the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing. After a pre-season test at Daytona International Speedway, he competed in the season opener, the 2025 Ride the 'Dente 200, at the same track. Although involved in a multi-car collision early in the race, he finished in 30th place. Mitchell later achieved his first career top-ten finish in the 2025 General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway. It was also announced that he would compete in the 2025 ARCA Menards Series East, further diversifying his racing schedule.
Net Worth and Legacy
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Mitchell's estimated net worth is $10 million, a testament to his success across YouTube and racing. His journey from a social media manager to a multi-millionaire content creator and professional driver highlights the evolving landscape of digital entrepreneurship and motorsports. With a loyal fanbase and ongoing racing commitments, Cleetus McFarland continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
