Updated: December 9, 2025
Hey there, gearheads and adrenaline junkies! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent way too many late nights binge-watching burnout videos, drag strip chaos, and those epic Freedom 500 races that leave you yelling at your screen. Enter Cleetus McFarland – the wild-hearted YouTuber who’s turned his passion for high-octane cars into a full-blown empire. But what’s the real story behind Cleetus McFarland’s net worth in 2025? Spoiler: It’s not just about revving engines; it’s a masterclass in hustle, community, and never saying no to a good slide job.
In this post, we’re diving deep into how Garrett Mitchell (aka Cleetus) went from a Nebraska kid tinkering with trucks to a racing phenom with millions in the bank. We’ll break down his journey, the cash machines fueling his success, and even crunch some numbers on his latest wins. Buckle up – this is gonna be a fun ride.
Table of Contents
Who Is Cleetus McFarland? A Quick Origin Story
Picture this: It’s 1995 in Omaha, Nebraska, and a kid named Garrett Mitchell is already obsessed with anything that goes vroom. Fast-forward to 2009, and at just 14 years old, he launches his YouTube channel while juggling a gig as social media manager for 1320Video – you know, the crew behind those insane street racing clips. But Garrett wasn’t content playing second fiddle. In 2015, during Rocky Mountain Drag Week, he cooked up a hilarious alter ego: Cleetus McFarland, inspired by a Walmart T-shirt gag that exploded online.
Why the name change? Simple – it stuck like glue. Cleetus became the high-energy, no-filter persona that fans couldn’t get enough of. He ditched law school at the University of Tampa (yeah, he was prepping for suits, not seats) to go all-in on cars. Today, at 30 years old, Cleetus isn’t just a content creator; he’s a family man married to Elizabeth, his ride-or-die partner who helps run the show behind the scenes.
What sets him apart? That raw, unscripted vibe. His videos aren’t polished Hollywood – they’re gritty garage hangs that make you feel like you’re wrenching alongside him. From building the bodyless Corvette C5 “Leroy” (a fan-favorite record-setter) to the turbocharged ’69 Camaro “Eagle,” Cleetus’s builds scream authenticity. And let’s not forget his social media domination: Over 4 million YouTube subs, millions more across Instagram and TikTok, all feeding into a community that’s as tight-knit as a pit crew.
The Road to Riches: Cleetus McFarland’s Career Highlights
Cleetus didn’t stumble into fame; he floored it. Starting with drag racing skits, his channel exploded by showcasing real-deal mods, races, and fails that had us all hooked. By 2020, he’d bought and revived the old Desoto Speedway in Bradenton, Florida, rebranding it as the Freedom Factory – his personal playground for events like the legendary Freedom 500.
Racing-wise, 2025 has been a breakout year. Under his real name, Garrett Mitchell, he jumped into the ARCA Menards Series with Rette Jones Racing, piloting the No. 30 Ford. Key starts included Daytona, Talladega, Charlotte, and a gritty short-track debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in September. No full-time NASCAR gig yet, but whispers of a Daytona 500 push and even a potential Truck Series ride with Ram have fans buzzing.
And the records? Oh man, October 2025 saw him shatter the drag radial quarter-mile speed mark at Bradenton with “Eagle” clocking 5.772 seconds at 257.14 mph. He topped that in November at the Haltech World Cup Finals, hitting 261 mph and resetting his own benchmark. These feats aren’t just bragging rights – they pull in sponsors and views like nothing else.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his career milestones in a handy table:
| Year | Milestone | Impact on Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Launches YouTube channel; joins 1320Video | Builds early audience; foundation for ad revenue |
| 2015 | Adopts “Cleetus McFarland” persona | Channel rebrand boosts subs to 4M+; merch sales skyrocket |
| 2020 | Acquires and renames Desoto Speedway to Freedom Factory | Event hosting generates $1M+ annually in tickets/sponsors |
| 2022 | Stadium Super Trucks debut at Long Beach | Expands racing cred; attracts auto brand deals |
| 2025 | ARCA Menards Series races (4 starts); Drag radial record (261 mph) | High-profile exposure; estimated $500K+ in new endorsements |
This table shows how each pedal-to-the-metal moment stacks cash and clout.
Breaking Down Cleetus McFarland Net Worth: Where the Money Flows
Alright, the million-dollar question (or ten million, in this case): What’s Cleetus McFarland’s net worth in 2025? Reliable sources like Celebrity Net Worth peg it at a solid $10 million, up from earlier estimates thanks to his racing push and record-smashing runs. But how does a YouTuber-turned-racer stack that paper? Let’s bullet it out:
- YouTube Ad Revenue & Sponsorships: With 4.5M+ subs and 2B+ total views, monthly earnings hover around $30K-$90K from ads alone. Brands like Holley, VP Racing Fuels, and Summit Racing throw in big bucks for shoutouts – think $5M+ yearly from the channel.
- Merch Empire: Cleetus merch (hats, tees, mullet wigs? You bet) flies off shelves via his site and events. This stream alone pulls in $2M annually, with fans snapping up “Send It” gear like it’s going extinct.
- Freedom Factory Events: Ticket sales, concessions, and VIP passes for races like LeMullets and the Freedom 500? That’s pure gold – over $1.5M in 2025, boosted by sold-out crowds.
- Racing Payouts & Investments: ARCA purses are modest, but wins like his World Cup Finals class victory add $100K+. Plus, savvy investments in cars (he flips ’em for profit) and real estate around Bradenton pad the portfolio.
No wonder estimates vary – some say $6M, others push $10M – but the upward trajectory is clear. Cleetus keeps it real, often joking in videos about “stacking pennies” while dropping $200K on a single build.
Cleetus’s Personal Life: Family, Freedom, and That Mullet Mentality
Behind the smoke and thunder, Cleetus is all about balance. Married to Elizabeth since their early days grinding videos together, they’ve built a life that’s equal parts chaos and heart. She handles ops at the Freedom Factory, and they’ve got that unbreakable team vibe – think power couple, but with more torque.
Off-track, Cleetus gives back through community events, charity drags, and fostering that “send it” spirit without the ego. His faith and family-first approach shine through, especially in quieter vlogs where he chats dad life (no kids announced yet, but who knows?). It’s this human side that keeps fans loyal – he’s not just a racer; he’s the buddy who’d spot you a beer after a bad burnout.
Conclusion: Why Cleetus McFarland’s Story Fuels Us All
Whew, what a journey! From a teen with a camera to a $10 million net worth mogul dominating ARCA and drag strips, Cleetus McFarland embodies the American dream on four wheels. His 2025 highlights – from Bristol battles to 261 mph blasts – prove passion pays off when you build a tribe around it.
If you’re chasing your own “send it” moment, take a page from Cleetus: Dive in, laugh at the wrecks, and keep the throttle wide open. What’s your favorite Cleetus build or race? Drop it in the comments – let’s chat rubber and riches. Until next time, stay free and keep grinding.