Cleetus McFarland has become a major figure in automotive entertainment. Starting as a social media manager at 1320Video, he created the iconic persona of Cleetus McFarland, which led to the launch of his successful YouTube channel. Known for his wild car builds like ‘Leroy the Fierce’ and ‘Mullet,’ Cleetus McFarland revolutionized car culture.
His purchase of the Freedom Factory in 2017 marked a significant turning point, allowing him to expand into motorsport events. With a growing business empire, Cleetus McFarland continues to innovate by blending entertainment and racing. His net worth in 2025 is estimated at $3.66 million, cementing his legacy.
The Making of Cleetus (1995-201
Born as Lawrence Garrett Mitchell on April 5, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska, Cleetus grew up in a family that supported his automotive passions. His parents, Mark Mitchell and Lori Edward Mitchell, along with siblings Parker Mitchell and Lauren Mitchell, formed the foundation of his early life.
While pursuing engineering at Central Florida University, Garrett’s life took an unexpected turn. Working as a social media manager for 1320Video, he created the “Cleetus McFarland” character – a persona that would eventually become a household name in automotive entertainment.
Quick Wiki, Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lawrence Garrett Mitchell |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Omaha, Nebraska |
| College | Central Florida University (Engineering) |
| YouTube Channel Launch Date | January 28, 2009 |
| Key Milestones | – 2015: Rocky Mountain Drag Week (First major racing event) – 2017: Became full-time content creator – 2020: Purchased Freedom Factory – 2022: Debut in Stadium Super Trucks |
| Signature Vehicles | – Leroy (C5 Corvette, drag car) – Mullet (El Camino, record-breaker) – Dale Truck (Silverado, off-road truck) – Ruby (C5 Corvette, twin-turbo) – Toast (Crown Victoria, drift car) |
| Freedom Factory Purchase Date | March 2017 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $3.66 million |
| Revenue Streams | – YouTube earnings ($2 million/year) – Merchandise sales – Event tickets & racing competitions – Brand partnerships & sponsorships – Real estate investments |
| Racing Career Highlights | – Stadium Super Trucks debut (Music City Grand Prix, 2022) – Bristol 1000 participation – GRANNAS Racing Stick Shift class records – Haltech World Cup Finals performances |
| Family | Wife: Madison Lutz (married in 2021) Son: Ripper Mitchell (born November 2022) |
| Social Media Following | – Instagram: @cleetusmcfarland (millions) – Twitter: @cleetusmcfarland (hundreds of thousands) – TikTok: @cleetusmcfarlandd (growing rapidly) – Facebook: Cleetus McFarland (substantial engagement) |
| Business Ventures | – Motion Raceworks partnership – Custom parts development – Event management services – Digital content production studio – Merchandise distribution center – Racing school programs |
| Media Coverage | Featured in Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Road & Track, Hot Rod Magazine, Racing News Network, Automotive Quarterly |
| Impact on Community | – Created hundreds of local jobs – Supports local racing communities – Sponsors young drivers – Hosts charity events – Provides platform for upcoming racers |
| Most Powerful Car | Mullet (El Camino, 2,000+ horsepower) |
| Total Car Collection | 15+ vehicles (5-6 active competition cars) |
| Most Successful Video | First test drive of “Leroy the fearless” (10+ million views) |
| Fastest Quarter-Mile Time | Mullet: 6-second quarter-mile passes Leroy: 7.19 seconds at 190 mph (world’s fastest stick-shift Corvette) |
This table summarizes key aspects of Cleetus McFarland’s career, vehicles, business ventures, and achievements.
Building a YouTube Empire
What started as a character quickly evolved into a phenomenon. After launching his YouTube channel on January 28, 2009, McFarland’s breakthrough came with ‘Leroy the Fierce,’ a stripped-down Corvette that captured audiences’ imagination.
Here’s a breakdown of his channel’s growth:
| Year | Major Milestone | Impact |
| 2015 | Rocky Mountain Drag Week | First major racing event |
| 2017 | Full-time content creator | Left 1320Video |
| 2020 | Freedom Factory purchase | Expanded into track ownership |
| 2022 | Stadium Super Trucks debut | Diversified racing portfolio |
Signature Vehicles & Projects
McFarland’s garage houses some of the most recognizable project cars in automotive YouTube:
- Leroy the Fierce: C5 Corvette turned record-breaking drag car
- Mullet: Modified El Camino breaking speed records
- Dale Truck: Trophy truck built for off-road adventures
- Ruby: Another C5 Corvette pushing performance boundaries
- Toast: Crown Victoria transformed for drift competitions
The Freedom Factory Era
In March 2017, McFarland made headlines by purchasing the historic DeSoto Speedway in Manatee County, Florida. Renamed the Freedom Factory, this 1/3-mile asphalt oval and figure-8 track has become the epicenter of automotive entertainment.
Key achievements at Freedom Factory:
- Regular hosting of “Cleetus & Cars” events
- Development of professional racing programs
- Creation of unique motorsport entertainment formats
- Building a strong local racing community
Business Ventures & Net Worth
As of 2025, Cleetus McFarland’s net worth stands at $3.66 million. His diverse revenue streams include:
- YouTube earnings ($2 million annual revenue)
- Merchandise sales (clothing and car accessories)
- Event tickets and racing competitions
- Brand partnerships and sponsorships
- Real estate investments
Racing Career Highlights
McFarland’s racing achievements include:
- Stadium Super Trucks debut at Music City Grand Prix (April 2022)
- Participation in the Bristol 1000 at Bristol Motor Speedway
- Records in the GRANNAS Racing Stick Shift class
- Notable performances at the 26th Annual Haltech World Cup Finals
Personal Life & Relationships
In 2021, McFarland married Madison Lutz, an entrepreneur who owns Sunna Swim, a successful swimwear store. The couple welcomed their son, Ripper Mitchell, in November 2022.
Impact on Car Culture
McFarland’s influence extends beyond traditional automotive content:
“We’re not just making videos – we’re creating a new way for people to experience and enjoy motorsports.” – Cleetus McFarland
By the Numbers: Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Following |
| @cleetusmcfarland | Millions | |
| @cleetusmcfarland | Hundreds of thousands | |
| TikTok | @cleetusmcfarlandd | Growing rapidly |
| Cleetus McFarland | Substantial engagement |
Business Innovation
McFarland’s approach to automotive content creation has revolutionized the industry through:
- Integration of entertainment and professional racing
- Development of unique event formats
- Creation of sustainable revenue models
- Building a strong community-focused brand
Looking Ahead
As Cleetus McFarland continues to expand his empire, he remains focused on:
- Developing new racing formats
- Expanding the Freedom Factory’s capabilities
- Creating innovative automotive content
- Building partnerships within the industry
This combination of entertainment, business acumen, and genuine passion for motorsports has established McFarland as a leading figure in automotive culture, with his influence continuing to grow through 2025 and beyond.
Award-Winning Car Builds
McFarland’s most notable achievements come from his innovative car builds. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Vehicle Name | Base Model | Notable Achievements | Current Status |
| Leroy | C5 Corvette | World’s fastest stick-shift Corvette (7.19 @ 190mph) | Active competition car |
| Mullet | El Camino | 6-second quarter-mile passes | Primary race vehicle |
| Dale Truck | Silverado | Multiple off-road victories | Event demonstration vehicle |
| Ruby | C5 Corvette | Twin-turbo setup, 1500+ HP | Retired after accident |
| Toast | Crown Victoria | Drift competition winner | Active competition car |
Freedom Factory Innovations
The Freedom Factory has become more than just a racetrack. Key developments include:
- Custom-built burnout pad
- Professional-grade lighting system
- Multiple camera angles for live streaming
- Dedicated fan zones
- VIP areas for special events
- On-site merchandise store
- Professional timing system
Business Portfolio Expansion
Recent ventures include:
- Motion Raceworks partnership
- Custom parts development
- Event management services
- Digital content production studio
- Merchandise distribution center
- Racing school programs
- Technical consulting services
Media Coverage and Recognition
Notable features in:
- Motor Trend
- Car and Driver
- Road & Track
- Hot Rod Magazine
- Racing News Network
- Automotive Quarterly
Community Impact
McFarland’s influence extends beyond racing:
- Created hundreds of local jobs
- Supports local racing communities
- Provides platform for upcoming racers
- Contributes to automotive education
- Sponsors young drivers
- Hosts charity events
This comprehensive guide captures the essence of Cleetus McFarland’s impact on automotive culture and his continued growth in the industry. His combination of entertainment, technical expertise, and business acumen has created a unique niche in motorsports entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleetus McFarland
What is Cleetus McFarland’s real name?
His real name is Lawrence Garrett Mitchell. He adopted the persona of Cleetus McFarland while working at 1320Video.
How old is Cleetus McFarland? A: Born on April 5, 1995, he is 28 years old as of 2025.
Where did Cleetus McFarland go to college? A: He attended Central Florida University, studying engineering before pursuing his YouTube career.
How did Cleetus McFarland get started on YouTube?
He began while working as a social media manager for 1320Video, creating content that eventually led to his own channel launch on January 28, 2009.
What’s his most successful video?
His most viewed video features the first test drive of ‘Leroy the Fierce,’ accumulating over 10 million views.
How much does Cleetus McFarland make from YouTube?
As of 2023, his annual earnings are estimated at $2 million from YouTube alone, with total revenue streams pushing his earnings significantly higher.
What’s his fastest quarter-mile time?
With Mullet (El Camino), he’s achieved 6-second quarter-mile passes, while Leroy holds the stick-shift Corvette record at 7.19 seconds.
Does he compete professionally?
Yes, he participates in professional events including:
- Stadium Super Trucks
- Drag Week competitions
- GRANNAS Racing events
- Various drag racing series
Who is Cleetus McFarland’s wife?
He’s married to Madison Lutz, who owns Sunna Swim. They wed in 2021.
Does Cleetus McFarland have children?
Yes, he has a son named Ripper Mitchell, born in November 2022.
Freedom Factory Questions
When did he buy the Freedom Factory?
He purchased the former DeSoto Speedway in March 2017.
What events are held at the Freedom Factory?
Regular events include:
- Cleetus & Cars
- Drag racing competitions
- Drift events
- Burnout competitions
- Car shows
- Private track rentals
What companies does he own?
His business portfolio includes:
- Freedom Factory
- Merchandise brand
- Motion Raceworks partnership
- Event promotion company
- Content production studio
What’s his most powerful car?
Currently, Mullet (El Camino) is his most powerful vehicle, capable of over 2,000 horsepower.
How many cars does he own?
His collection includes over 15 vehicles, with 5-6 active competition cars.
Conclusion
Cleetus McFarland has revolutionized automotive entertainment through his unique blend of racing expertise, business acumen, and genuine passion for cars. From his early days at 1320Video to becoming a multimillion-dollar motorsports mogul, his journey exemplifies the power of authenticity and innovation.
With the Freedom Factory thriving, a successful YouTube empire, and a growing family with wife Madison and son Ripper, McFarland continues to push boundaries in the automotive world. His estimated net worth of $3.66 million reflects not just financial success, but the impact he’s had on car culture worldwide.
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Kevin Bray is an experienced blogger and the creative force behind Celeb Lift. With a passion for entertainment and celebrity news, he brings insightful and engaging content to his readers. Kevin’s in-depth knowledge and years of writing experience make him a trusted voice in the world of celebrity culture, delivering up-to-date stories and trends to keep readers informed and entertained.