Cleetus McFarland’s journey is about more than fast cars and viral videos. It’s a story of passion, innovation, and community
From transforming an abandoned racetrack into a thriving motorsports hub to entering the world of NASCAR, McFarland continues to push boundaries and inspire others to chase their own dreams.
As he adds new chapters to his already impressive story, one thing remains clear: Cleetus McFarland is living life at full throttle—and he’s bringing his fans along for the ride.
Cleetus McFarland’s purchase of a private airport in Florida is a testament to his unwavering pursuit of passion, adventure, and community building.
What started as a car enthusiast’s dream has evolved into a multifaceted empire — one that now includes racetracks and runways alike.
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Table of Contents
Cleetus McFarland: From YouTube Fame to NASCAR Dreams
Cleetus McFarland is a man who wears many hats—YouTube star, car enthusiast, entrepreneur, and now, a NASCAR driver.1
Over the past decade, McFarland has built a loyal following with his high-octane automotive content, his signature humor, and a relentless drive to chase new challenges.
What started as a simple YouTube channel documenting car builds and drag races has blossomed into a multi-faceted career that now includes flying planes, owning a racetrack, and competing in professional motorsports.
From Garrett Mitchell to Cleetus McFarland
Before the world knew him as Cleetus McFarland, he was Lawrence Garrett Mitchell—a Florida native with a passion for cars. Born on April 5, 1995, Mitchell grew up immersed in automotive culture.
After graduating from the University of Tampa, he took a marketing job at 1320Video, a well-known automotive YouTube channel.
It was during his time with 1320Video that the Cleetus McFarland persona was born—originally as a joke. The name stuck, and by 2015, McFarland had created his own YouTube channel, which quickly gained traction.
His enthusiastic personality, combined with a deep technical knowledge of cars and an unmistakable “go fast and have fun” attitude, set him apart from other automotive content creators.
The Rise of a YouTube Sensation
Cleetus McFarland’s YouTube channel is a haven for gearheads. With over 3 million subscribers and millions of views per video, the channel features everything from drag racing and engine builds to burnout contests and automotive challenges.
One of the channel’s biggest draws is McFarland’s stable of high-powered cars, including his famous “Leroy,” a stripped-down Corvette with a twin-turbo LS engine that has set numerous records. The combination of humor, automotive expertise, and thrilling action has made McFarland a beloved figure in the car community.
The Freedom Factory: A Racetrack Resurrection
In 2020, McFarland made headlines with his purchase of an abandoned figure-eight racetrack in Bradenton, Florida. Renaming it the Freedom Factory, he set out to restore the track to its former glory.
What was once a dilapidated property covered in weeds and cracked asphalt became a thriving motorsports venue.
The Freedom Factory now hosts a variety of events, from burnout competitions to endurance races, and has become a symbol of McFarland’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for grassroots racing.
The track’s resurrection has also strengthened his connection with fans, many of whom attend events to see their favorite YouTube star in action.
Cleetus McFarland’s Aviation Passion
As if racing cars and running a racetrack weren’t enough, Cleetus McFarland has also developed a passion for aviation.2
Over the past few years, he’s shared videos of himself learning to fly airplanes and helicopters.
This passion for flight culminated in a major purchase in 2024—McFarland bought a private airport in Manatee County, Florida.
Announcing the purchase on his YouTube channel on May 2, 2024, McFarland called it “the ultimate slice of aviation heaven.”
The airport adds yet another dimension to McFarland’s ever-expanding empire. It’s easy to see how his drive to explore new challenges has taken him beyond the asphalt and into the skies.
A New Challenge: Entering the ARCA Menards Series
Cleetus McFarland’s foray into professional motorsports took a significant leap forward in 2025 when he announced he would be entering the ARCA Menards Series, a stepping stone to NASCAR’s top tiers.
In January 2025, McFarland participated in the ARCA Menards Series test at Daytona International Speedway.
For a YouTuber with limited professional racing experience, he impressed many by recording competitive lap times, often placing within the top 10.
He ultimately finished P15 on the timing sheet—an impressive debut that signaled he was serious about making his mark in NASCAR.
The Community Behind the Success
On February 17, 2025, Cleetus McFarland made his official NASCAR debut at the Ride The Dente 200 race, driving the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing.
The build-up to the race was a big moment not only for McFarland but also for his fans, who had followed his journey from grassroots racing to the national stage.
Unfortunately, McFarland’s debut didn’t go entirely as planned. After showing promise early in the race, he was involved in an on-track incident that ended his run on lap 17 of 80.
He finished 30th, but the result didn’t dampen his spirits. Instead, it fueled his desire to continue improving and competing at a higher level.
Cleetus McFarland: Ride the Dente 200
One of the keys to Cleetus McFarland’s success is the strong community he’s built around his brand.3
Whether it’s through engaging YouTube videos, live events at the Freedom Factory, or his presence at car shows and races, McFarland has cultivated a loyal fanbase.
The Cleetus & Cars event series, which features burnout contests and drag racing, has become a massive hit, drawing thousands of spectators and competitors alike.
It’s not just about racing—it’s about creating a space where car enthusiasts can come together, have fun, and celebrate their shared passion.
Beyond racing and YouTube, Cleetus McFarland has built a thriving business empire. His merchandise line, featuring everything from T-shirts and hats to stickers and automotive accessories, is wildly popular among fans.
In 2023, McFarland also launched his own line of automotive performance products, including turbo kits and engine components.
The success of these ventures has allowed him to reinvest in bigger and more ambitious projects—like buying a private airport and competing in professional motorsports.
The Drive to Inspire
What makes Cleetus McFarland truly special is his ability to inspire others.
His journey from a marketing job to YouTube stardom and now to professional racing is a testament to what passion, hard work, and a willingness to take risks can achieve.
McFarland often speaks about the importance of chasing your dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
His story resonates with people from all walks of life, showing that with determination and creativity, it’s possible to build a career doing what you love.
If McFarland’s track record is any indication, the future will be full of surprises. Whether he’s behind the wheel of a race car, piloting a plane, or organizing a burnout competition, one thing is certain—Cleetus McFarland isn’t slowing down any time soon.
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Cleetus McFarland’s Private Airport in Florida
A Bold Aviation Dream Come True
Cleetus McFarland is no stranger to grand, adrenaline-fueled ventures.
From transforming an abandoned racetrack into a thriving motorsports hub to now purchasing his very own private airport, McFarland continues to build a legacy of high-octane passion and larger-than-life business moves.
Let’s dive deep into the story behind his latest and perhaps most ambitious acquisition yet — a private airport in Florida.
Before diving into the details of the airport, it’s important to understand the man behind this extraordinary purchase. Cleetus McFarland, born Garrett Mitchell, is a wildly popular YouTube personality, best known for his automotive antics and motorsports content.
His channel, with millions of subscribers, has become a destination for car enthusiasts who crave burnouts, drag races, and good old-fashioned horsepower-fueled fun.
McFarland’s rise to internet fame began with his unique blend of humor, mechanical know-how, and a deep passion for cars and motorsports. His ability to turn seemingly crazy ideas into successful business ventures has made him a standout in the automotive community — and now, his journey has expanded beyond the asphalt and into the skies.
The Freedom Factory: A Foundation for Bigger Dreams
- The seeds of McFarland’s private airport purchase can be traced back to 2020 when he bought the abandoned Desoto Speedway, a 1/3-mile figure-eight asphalt racetrack located in Manatee County, Florida.
- At the time, the $2.2 million purchase seemed like a risky move, but McFarland’s vision for the property — now famously known as the Freedom Factory — transformed it into a haven for motorsports enthusiasts.
- With casual racing events, car shows, and high-energy YouTube content, the Freedom Factory quickly became a cornerstone of his growing empire.
- The success of the Freedom Factory not only proved McFarland’s business acumen but also set the stage for his next audacious purchase: a private airport.
- In 2022, McFarland’s path to owning an airport began with a serendipitous meeting. While hosting an event at the Freedom Factory, McFarland met the owner of a private airport located just 15 minutes from the racetrack.
- That chance encounter sparked a conversation that would ultimately change the trajectory of McFarland’s life.
- After nearly a year of discussions, the owners’ family eventually agreed to sell the property. By November 2023, McFarland made the deal official — purchasing the private airport for $3.5 million, as reported by the Bradenton Herald.
Cleetus McFarland’s Plans for the Airport
So, what does McFarland plan to do with his new private airport? Unsurprisingly, he has big dreams — and they involve far more than just flying planes.
He revealed that he intends to turn the property into his personal aviation playground, with plans to build his dream home and a custom hangar right next to the runway.
Imagine waking up, stepping outside your house, and firing up your own private airplane for a morning flight — that’s exactly what McFarland envisions.
Beyond his private use, he’s hinted at turning the airport into a hub for aviation-themed events, potentially mirroring the success of the Freedom Factory’s motorsport gatherings.
Challenges and Financial Risks
Of course, buying a private airport isn’t without its challenges. The $3.5 million price tag, coupled with the costs of maintaining and upgrading the facilities, represents a significant financial risk — even for someone with McFarland’s entrepreneurial success.
However, if there’s one thing McFarland has proven time and again, it’s that he thrives on taking calculated risks. His ability to transform distressed properties into profitable, community-driven venues suggests that this airport could become another jewel in his crown.
The announcement of the airport purchase generated a wave of excitement from McFarland’s massive online following. Fans flooded the comment section with support, expressing awe at his vision and congratulating him on yet another major milestone.
Many pointed out that McFarland’s ability to chase his passions so boldly serves as inspiration — proof that with hard work, creativity, and relentless drive, even the most audacious dreams can come true.
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A New Era of Content: Aviation Meets Motorsports
One of the most exciting prospects of McFarland’s airport acquisition is the potential for new content. Known for his thrilling, high-production-value videos, McFarland now has an entirely new canvas to work with.
From airplane drag races to behind-the-scenes restoration projects for vintage aircraft, the possibilities are endless. This crossover between aviation and motorsports could attract an even larger audience to his already thriving brand.
As McFarland settles into life as the owner of a private airport, it’s clear that this isn’t the end of his journey — it’s just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
With plans to build his home, expand his aviation knowledge, and create a vibrant community around the property, McFarland is once again proving that when passion meets ambition, incredible things happen.
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