What Cleetus McFarland’s Net Worth Reveals About Turning Passion Into Profit
You might be wondering about Cleetus McFarland’s net worth after watching one of his supercharged burnout contests or a wild turbo Corvette pass on YouTube. With an unmistakable blend of horsepower, humor, and patriotic branding, Cleetus McFarland—real name Garrett Mitchell—has built one of the most successful and unique brands in the automotive YouTube scene. His rise from law student to racing entrepreneur has become a case study in how passion-fueled content, smart branding, and community engagement can lead to real financial success. So just how much is Cleetus McFarland worth—and how did he build it all from the ground up?
Who Is Cleetus McFarland?
Cleetus McFarland is the high-octane alter ego of Garrett Mitchell, a Florida-based automotive content creator who rose to fame through YouTube. Originally pursuing a law degree, Mitchell first stepped into the spotlight through 1320Video, a drag racing channel where he appeared in videos with his signature mullet, American flag shirts, and comedic delivery. What started as a light-hearted character soon evolved into a full-blown brand.
In 2015, he launched his own YouTube channel, “Cleetus McFarland,” which quickly grew thanks to a steady stream of high-performance car content, unique personalities, and a distinct voice that blended car culture with entertainment. Unlike traditional automotive channels focused solely on builds or reviews, Cleetus added a theatrical, comedic twist that made even non-gearheads curious.
With his crew—including characters like James “Cooper” and “Leroy the Savage,” a stripped-down, twin-turbo C5 Corvette—Cleetus created a universe where the lines between reality TV, motorsports, and YouTube content blurred. From drag racing and dyno pulls to road trip antics and car builds gone wild, his videos regularly rack up millions of views. But Cleetus isn’t just building views—he’s building a business empire.
Cleetus McFarland’s Net Worth—Where Entertainment Meets Engineering
As of 2024, Cleetus McFarland’s estimated net worth is between $4 million and $6 million. This figure is based on revenue from his multiple YouTube channels, merchandise sales, sponsorships, event ticketing, and the ownership of the Freedom Factory racetrack. Unlike many influencers who rely on a single platform, Cleetus has diversified his income streams to include both digital and real-world ventures. That’s what makes his story stand out—not just the reach, but the business model behind it.
YouTube Revenue and Brand Growth
The heart of Cleetus McFarland’s financial engine is his YouTube presence. With over 3 million subscribers on his main channel and additional traction on secondary and behind-the-scenes channels, he generates tens of millions of views each month. Based on average CPM (cost per thousand views) rates ranging between $3 and $7, that puts his monthly ad revenue from YouTube alone at anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000—or more, depending on the content and season.
In addition to YouTube’s AdSense program, Cleetus earns from sponsorship deals integrated into his videos. Brands in the automotive space—everything from tire companies to performance parts suppliers—partner with him because of his highly engaged audience. These sponsorships can command high four- or five-figure payouts per video, especially when paired with authentic, on-brand product integrations.
What sets Cleetus apart from other creators is the depth of his content. Instead of chasing quick viral moments, he builds story arcs around specific cars—like the aforementioned Leroy, or Ruby the Corvette, or Toast the truck—that give viewers something to follow week after week. That kind of sustained viewer loyalty is gold in the world of content creation.
Freedom Factory and Live Events
One of Cleetus McFarland’s boldest and smartest moves was buying a racetrack. In 2020, he purchased the abandoned DeSoto Speedway in Bradenton, Florida, renaming it the Freedom Factory. While buying a racetrack might sound like a wild gamble, it turned out to be a stroke of entrepreneurial genius.
The Freedom Factory isn’t just a filming location—it’s a fully functioning business. Cleetus and his team host events like the “Cleetus and Cars” series, featuring burnout contests, drag racing, and demolition-style competitions that bring fans from across the country. These events are ticketed, and sell out regularly, with attendance ranging from hundreds to several thousand spectators. Between gate fees, concessions, merchandise booths, and pay-per-view online streams, the income from each event is substantial.
Pay-per-view streaming alone, which Cleetus promotes through his channel and social media, adds another revenue layer. Fans who can’t attend in person still pay to watch the action live—typically priced around $10 to $20 per stream—with thousands tuning in. These digital ticket sales blend perfectly with his YouTube business and expand the reach of the brand beyond Florida.
Additionally, the racetrack doubles as a rental facility for other motorsport events and driving schools, generating passive income between Cleetus-hosted events. It’s a rare example of turning a physical property into a multipurpose content hub, business asset, and community space all at once.
Merchandise, Licensing, and Entrepreneurial Ventures
If you’ve seen a fan wearing a “Do it for Dale” shirt or a hat with the Freedom Factory logo, you’ve seen just how much Cleetus McFarland’s brand has permeated car culture. Merchandise is one of his most lucrative business segments. His online store offers shirts, hats, decals, and performance parts—all marketed through his videos and supported by a fiercely loyal fanbase.
Merch drops often coincide with big builds or events, and they sell out quickly. With an engaged audience of millions, even modest sales conversion rates can result in tens of thousands of orders per month. Apparel is a high-margin product, meaning that Cleetus likely nets a large portion of the sales, especially since he handles fulfillment in-house or through dedicated partners.
Beyond merch, Cleetus has expanded into brand licensing and potential product collaborations. Whether it’s branded car parts, tools, or even a Cleetus McFarland video game someday (you never know!), the groundwork is there for continued brand expansion.
He’s also been known to invest earnings back into his equipment, his crew, and his infrastructure—buying new vehicles for content, upgrading editing and filming gear, and growing his team to handle the increasing complexity of operations. These reinvestments aren’t just smart—they keep the quality of his content high and his business running smoothly.
Featured Image Source: motorsport.com
