What Cleetus McFarland’s Net Worth Reveals About Cars, Content, and Hustle
You might wonder about Cleetus McFarland’s net worth after watching a turbocharged burnout, a record-setting drag race, or a comedic YouTube clip featuring high-revving mayhem and good old-fashioned gearhead spirit. His real name is Garrett Mitchell, but to millions of fans online, he’s Cleetus—a mullet-rocking, flag-waving car enthusiast who turned his passion for speed into a media and motorsports empire. What started as an inside joke and a character in a viral video has grown into a fully-fledged brand, complete with a YouTube channel, merchandise line, a racetrack, and a devoted community of fans.
Who Is Cleetus McFarland?
Before he became a household name in the world of automotive YouTube, Garrett Mitchell was a college student studying law. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and later based in Florida, Mitchell began working with 1320video, a popular drag racing media outlet. During his time there, he created the character “Cleetus McFarland” as part of a humorous video. The character—a patriotic, big-talking, burnout-loving version of an American car guy—was an instant hit with viewers.
Mitchell leaned into the persona and started his own YouTube channel in 2015. What began with vlogs and DIY car content quickly evolved into a platform for massive builds, drag racing challenges, and over-the-top automotive antics. With his signature mullet, catchphrases, and love for high-horsepower cars, Cleetus resonated with a broad audience. His fans aren’t just gearheads—they’re people who appreciate the passion, personality, and genuine love for the car community that Cleetus brings to every video.
Beyond YouTube, Cleetus has taken his brand into the real world. In 2020, he purchased a racetrack in Bradenton, Florida, now known as the Freedom Factory. Since then, he’s been hosting events like Cleetus & Cars and spectator drag nights that bring his online world into physical spaces. His ability to merge content with real-world community has been one of the keys to his financial success.
Cleetus McFarland’s Net Worth—Turbocharged by Passion and Platforms
Cleetus McFarland’s estimated net worth, believed to be between $4 million and $6 million, reflects more than viral fame. It’s a story of how creativity, entrepreneurship, and authenticity can transform a love for cars into a business that’s as profitable as it is entertaining. From merchandise and sponsorships to event ticketing and media production, his empire spans both digital and physical realms. Let’s break down how he earns his money and why his brand continues to grow.
YouTube Revenue and Channel Growth
The foundation of Cleetus McFarland’s business is his YouTube channel, which has more than 3 million subscribers and hundreds of millions of views. YouTube pays creators through its AdSense program, which provides revenue based on ad views, watch time, and engagement. With a steady stream of content—often several videos per week—and an audience that consistently shows up, Cleetus likely earns significant monthly revenue just from ad views alone.
While YouTube ad rates vary, creators with Cleetus’s reach can earn anywhere from $2 to $10 per 1,000 views. With videos frequently topping 500,000 or even 1 million views, his monthly earnings from YouTube alone could range from $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on viewership, ad rates, and seasonality.
But that’s just the beginning. His channel also generates income through video sponsorships. Brands in the automotive industry—whether it’s tools, car parts, or racing equipment—pay top dollar to reach his dedicated audience. These deals often include product placement, custom content, or shout-outs, which bring in additional tens of thousands of dollars.
He also livestreams events and races, further monetizing his content through live chat donations, exclusive access for paying members, and YouTube’s channel membership program. This direct-to-fan model adds another consistent layer to his income.
Merchandising and Brand Expansion
Cleetus McFarland’s merchandise operation is one of the most successful in the YouTube automotive space. His online store sells a wide range of apparel—T-shirts, hats, hoodies, and accessories—featuring phrases like “Freedom Unit,” “Send It,” and “Do It For Dale.” These catchphrases have become part of his brand identity and are recognized widely in the automotive community.
The success of his merchandise line goes beyond clever designs. What makes it thrive is the tight connection Cleetus has with his audience. Fans aren’t just buying a shirt—they’re supporting a creator they feel invested in, and they’re joining a tribe that celebrates horsepower, humor, and DIY spirit.
Cleetus frequently launches limited-edition merch tied to specific builds, events, or milestones. These drops often sell out quickly and create a sense of urgency that boosts sales. He’s also expanded into co-branded product collaborations with parts manufacturers and gear suppliers, which provides revenue through affiliate marketing or joint profits.
The merchandising business is so strong, it’s likely one of his top income sources—possibly earning six figures per quarter depending on product releases and promotions.
Event Hosting and Freedom Factory Ownership
In one of his boldest and most successful moves, Cleetus McFarland purchased an abandoned racetrack in 2020—the old DeSoto Speedway in Florida—and rebranded it as the Freedom Factory. The move not only gave him a physical space to create content and host events, but it also positioned him as a legitimate figure in grassroots motorsports.
Owning a racetrack is expensive, but Cleetus has turned it into a profitable venture. He hosts major events like Cleetus & Cars, a festival-style gathering that features burnout competitions, drag racing, and fan meetups. These events bring in revenue through ticket sales, concessions, sponsorships, and merch booths. They also double as content for his YouTube channel, creating a loop where one income stream feeds another.
He’s also rented out the track to other motorsports organizations, content creators, and production companies, creating additional revenue. The Freedom Factory has become a symbol of his commitment to the racing community and has added serious value to his brand, both financially and culturally.
The cost to acquire, renovate, and operate a racetrack is high, but Cleetus’s ability to turn it into an experience—not just a venue—has made the investment pay off. It’s not just about cars; it’s about building a place for fans, racers, and creators to come together.
Featured Image Source: theshopmag.com
