Cleetus McFarland Net Worth 2026: How a YouTube Racer Built a Multi-Million-Dollar Automotive Empire

Cleetus McFarland — real name Lawrence Garrett Mitchell — has transformed his passion for American muscle cars, drag racing, and creative YouTube storytelling into one of the most successful motorsports brands online. As of 2026, Cleetus McFarland net worth is widely estimated at around $10 million, derived from YouTube monetization, merchandise, sponsorships, racing events, and his crowning achievement — the Freedom Factory racetrack.

But how did a college joke character turn into one of the most influential names in automotive entertainment? This in-depth profile breaks down his biography, revenue streams, business assets, community impact, and future outlook.

Biography

Who Is Cleetus McFarland? 

Cleetus McFarland began making videos in 2009 while working with the automotive media company 1320Video. His over-the-top patriotic persona “Cleetus” started as a humorous character but went viral after a 2015 Rocky Mountain Drag Week clip gained massive traction.

Instead of abandoning the character, Garrett embraced it — merging comedy with authentic car culture, racing, dyno pulls, burnout contests, and experimentation with high-powered builds. Over time, the Cleetus brand evolved into a digital motorsports ecosystem featuring content, events, merchandise, racing teams, and a physical venue.

Major Sources of Income

1. YouTube & Digital Monetization

YouTube remains a central pillar of Cleetus’s business model.

Revenue includes:

• Google AdSense

• Paid promotions

• Affiliate sales

• Sponsorship integrations

• Livestream PPV sales

With over 4.5M subscribers and hundreds of millions of annual views, the YouTube channel alone generates high six to low seven figures per year depending on watch time and RPM variations.

His content is diverse and algorithm-friendly, including:

• Car builds & fabrication

• Race event coverage

• Dyno tests & track days

• PPV livestream events

• Behind-the-scenes shop life

2. Merchandise & E-Commerce

Cleetus operates a thriving merchandise ecosystem consisting of:

• Shirts & hoodies

• Hats & beanies

• American flag themed gear

• Event apparel

• Limited-edition drops

Drops often coincide with livestream events, increasing conversions. For creators in the automotive niche, merch is typically a six-figure annual revenue stream, and Cleetus benefits from an exceptionally engaged community.

3. Freedom Factory Racetrack

In 2020, Cleetus purchased the abandoned Desoto Speedway in Bradenton, Florida, revitalizing it into the now-famous Freedom Factory.

The facility hosts:

• Drift nights

• Drag racing

• Burnout competitions

• Car meets

• Ticketed festivals

• Motorsport exhibitions

Revenue streams include:

• Physical ticket sales

• Food & vendor partnerships

• Sponsorship placements

• PPV streaming packages

• VIP fan experiences

Beyond profitability, Freedom Factory gives Cleetus control over production, eliminating the need to rent third-party venues.

4. Sponsorships & Brand Deals

Cleetus collaborates with major automotive brands for:

• Sponsored installs

• Performance product integration

• Affiliate marketing

• Event sponsorships

Brands often associated with the channel include:

• Holley Performance

• Summit Racing

• Motion Raceworks

These deals create a stable, scalable revenue layer independent of YouTube RPM fluctuations.

5. Racing, Series Participation & Appearances

Cleetus has competed in multiple motorsport formats, including:

• ARCA Menards Series stock car racing

• Stadium Super Trucks

• Drag racing events

• Specialty motorsport exhibitions

While race winnings aren’t the core of his income, they enhance:

• Brand positioning

• Sponsorship value

• Content storylines

Assets and Strategic Investments 

Cleetus McFarland’s net worth isn’t just digital — it’s heavily tied to physical assets, including:

Freedom Factory (Real Estate Asset)

A fully operable racetrack with stands, parking, safety barriers, and media infrastructure.

Car Collection

Iconic builds include:

• Leroy (Vette kart)

• Ruby (twin-turbo Corvette)

• Toast (Burnout car)

• Mullet (Pro-charged El Camino)

These vehicles serve as content drivers, event attractions, and business assets.

Production & Workshop Equipment

Professional-grade:

• Camera rigs

• Welders

• Fabrication tools

• Dyno setups

• Race shop infrastructure

Possible Real Estate Holdings

Reports indicate additional property holdings near the racetrack for operational convenience.

Cleetus’s Impact on Grassroots Motorsports

Cleetus occupies a unique place in motorsports culture, bridging the gap between:

• Entertainment

• Competition

• Community engagement

At a time when many U.S. racetracks were closing due to insurance costs and declining attendance, the Freedom Factory model demonstrated that grassroots racing can thrive through:

• Digital streaming

• Merchandise integration

• Social media storytelling

• Sponsorship partnerships

The format has inspired similar creator-led motorsport ventures.

How Pay-Per-View Motorsports Became a Revenue Engine 

While most influencers rely on ads, Cleetus monetized using PPV livestreams, similar to UFC or WWE.

PPV benefits include:

• Unlimited virtual attendance

• Scalable, weather-proof revenue

• Upsell opportunities (merch, VIP, bundles)

• Global fan reach

This model positions Cleetus as not just a YouTuber, but a motorsports media entrepreneur.

Reinvestment Strategy & Entrepreneurial Mindset

A defining trait of Cleetus’s success is reinvestment.

Instead of extracting profits, he channels revenue into:

• Racetrack renovations

• Safety upgrades

• Staff expansion

• Build budgets

• Streaming infrastructure

• Professional fabrication tools

This strategy increases:

• Asset value

• Production quality

• Brand longevity

• Business independence

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Note: Figures are estimates based on public data, industry benchmarks, and asset valuations.

Social Media Influence & Reach (2026) 

Cross-platform synergy increases merch conversions and event attendance.

Cleetus McFarland vs. Other Automotive Creators

Cleetus’s real-world venue ownership gives him a long-term structural advantage.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Cleetus in 2026 and Beyond?

Based on current trends, Cleetus’s brand could expand into:

• Franchised motorsport venues

• Touring burnout/drift events

• Automotive media licensing

• Brand partnerships with automakers

• Educational automotive programs

• Streaming platform development

With car culture increasingly digital, his hybrid entertainment model is positioned for strong growth.

FAQs

Q1: What is Cleetus McFarland net worth in 2026?

Estimates place his net worth at roughly $10 million, combining online revenue with physical business assets.

Q2: How does he make money?

Through YouTube, merch, sponsorships, PPV livestreams, Freedom Factory events, and racing.

Q3: Does Cleetus own the Freedom Factory?

Yes — he purchased and renovated the facility in 2020.

Q4: What cars is Cleetus known for?

Notable builds include Leroy, Ruby, Toast, and Mullet.

Q5: Could his net worth increase further?

Yes — projections suggest he could exceed $12M+ if current expansion continues.

Conclusion

Cleetus McFarland is more than a YouTuber — he is a motorsports entrepreneur, media figure, and community leader. With a diversified business portfolio, an engaged global audience, and a unique blend of online and offline assets, his estimated $10M net worth in 2026 reflects not only financial success but cultural impact.

If Freedom Factory expansions, PPV streaming, and brand partnerships continue to scale, Cleetus could easily become one of the most influential automotive figures of the decade. 

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