In the world of automotive YouTube, few creators have managed to transform their passion into the kind of wealth that Cleetus McFarland has achieved. This Nebraska-born content creator has built something truly remarkable that goes way beyond just making videos.
Lawrence Garrett Mitchell, the man behind the Cleetus McFarland persona, has accumulated an impressive net worth of $10 million by 2025. His journey from a regular car enthusiast to a multi-millionaire entrepreneur shows just how powerful the right combination of passion, timing, and business savvy can be.
Who is Cleetus McFarland?
Behind the larger-than-life persona lies Lawrence Garrett Mitchell, born on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska. Unlike many internet celebrities who stumbled into fame, Mitchell’s journey began with genuine passion for automotive culture and racing.
The “Cleetus McFarland” character emerged in 2015 during the Rocky Mountain Drag Week, where Mitchell’s humorous persona went viral. What started as entertainment quickly became his professional identity, with the name now synonymous with high-octane YouTube content and professional racing.
Mitchell’s transformation from a regular automotive enthusiast to a multi-millionaire entrepreneur showcases how authentic passion, combined with smart business decisions, can create extraordinary opportunities in the digital age.
Cleetus McFarland’s YouTube Success Story
Back in 2009, Mitchell started his YouTube journey while working as a social media manager for 1320Video. That early experience taught him exactly what car enthusiasts wanted to watch, and he used those lessons to build something special.
Fast forward to today, and his channel has grown to over 4.45 million subscribers with nearly 2 billion views across more than 1,600 videos. What makes his content work isn’t just the cars or the racing—it’s the genuine enthusiasm that comes through in every video.
The numbers tell an impressive story too. Mitchell pulls in around $28,400 monthly just from YouTube ads, but that’s really just the beginning. When you factor in sponsorships and other YouTube-related income, experts estimate his total earnings from the platform could hit anywhere from $720,000 to over $4 million per year.
The Birth of a Racing Career
What sets Mitchell apart from other automotive YouTubers is his successful transition into professional racing. In 2022, he made his debut in the Stadium Super Trucks series, driving the No. 1776 truck under his Cleetus McFarland persona.
His racing career reached new heights in 2025 when he entered the ARCA Menards Series, competing under his real name, Garrett Mitchell, for Rette Jones Racing. While his debut race at Daytona ended in a 30th-place finish due to a multi-car crash, he later secured his first top-ten finish at Talladega Superspeedway.
Racing has provided Mitchell with additional income streams through prize money, sponsorships, and increased visibility for his brand. His success on the track has also enhanced his credibility within the automotive community, further boosting his YouTube channel’s appeal.
Business Ventures and Investments
Perhaps Mitchell’s most significant business move came in January 2020 when he purchased the abandoned DeSoto Speedway in Manatee County, Florida. He transformed the facility into the “Freedom Factory,” a 3/8-mile asphalt oval and figure-8 track that serves as both a content creation hub and revenue-generating venue.
The Freedom Factory hosts regular events, including the popular “Cleetus and Cars” gatherings, which attract thousands of automotive enthusiasts. These events generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship opportunities while providing endless content for his YouTube channel.
Mitchell has also invested heavily in building iconic race cars, most notably “Leroy,” a bodyless Chevrolet Corvette C5 with an exo-cage, and “Mullet,” a purpose-built race car constructed from a Chevrolet El Camino. These vehicles have become central to his brand identity and content creation strategy.
How Cleetus McFarland Makes His Money
Mitchell has gotten really smart about diversifying his income, and it shows in his bank account. YouTube ads provide a solid foundation—we’re talking somewhere between $300,000 to $500,000 per year just from people watching his videos.
But the real money comes from sponsorship deals. Automotive companies, racing brands, and lifestyle products all want to get in front of his massive, engaged audience. These partnerships can be worth tens of thousands per deal, and Mitchell isn’t shy about working with brands that align with his content.
His merchandise game is strong too. From t-shirts and hoodies to car accessories, fans can’t get enough of Cleetus-branded gear. The online store generates serious revenue, especially when new designs drop or after big racing events.
Then there’s the Freedom Factory, which has become a goldmine. The facility hosts events that regularly sell out, bringing in substantial ticket revenue while creating content that keeps his YouTube channel fresh and exciting.
The Famous Cars: Leroy and Mullet
Mitchell’s custom-built race cars have become celebrities in their own right, contributing significantly to his brand value and income potential. “Leroy,” his bodyless Corvette, has won numerous trophies and set both personal and world records, becoming a fan favorite that drives viewership and engagement.
“Mullet,” his El Camino-based race car, achieved notable success in drag racing competitions, including a first-place finish in the McLeod Racing Warriors VS Tres Cuarto category at the 2022 Haltech World Cup Finals.
These vehicles serve multiple purposes: they generate compelling content, attract sponsorship opportunities, and demonstrate Mitchell’s technical expertise. The success of these builds has established him as a credible figure in both the YouTube and racing communities.
Cleetus McFarland Net Worth Breakdown
With an estimated net worth of $10 million, Mitchell’s wealth is distributed across various assets and income streams. The Freedom Factory represents a significant portion of his net worth, likely valued in the millions given its size, location, and revenue-generating potential.
His collection of race cars, including Leroy and Mullet, represents substantial value both as functional racing machines and brand assets. These vehicles have generated millions of views and countless sponsorship opportunities.
Annual income estimates suggest Mitchell earns between $1.5 million to $3 million per year from all sources combined, including YouTube revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, racing winnings, and event hosting.
Future Prospects and Growth
Mitchell’s diversified approach to wealth building positions him well for continued financial growth. His expansion into professional racing opens new sponsorship opportunities and revenue streams while providing fresh content for his YouTube audience.
The Freedom Factory’s potential for growth remains substantial, with opportunities to host larger events, attract major sponsors, and develop additional revenue streams. Mitchell’s authentic approach to content creation and business development suggests his net worth will likely continue growing in the coming years.
His success demonstrates that passion-driven entrepreneurship, combined with smart diversification and authentic audience engagement, can create substantial wealth in the modern digital economy.
