Cleetus and Dale Jr - RC Planes, Helicopters, NASCAR, “Do it for Dale”
In one of the most unexpected yet electrifying conversations in recent motorsports media, Cleetus McFarland sat down with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. for an in-depth discussion that left fans buzzing. From YouTube dominance to high-speed racing, aviation adventures, and even hurricane relief missions, Cleetus proved he’s more than just an internet personality—he’s a force to be reckoned with.
From RC Planes to YouTube Stardom
Cleetus, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, shared his fascinating journey into content creation, beginning with RC planes and boat videos in his early days. What started as a childhood hobby turned into a viral phenomenon when a spoof video introduced the Cleetus McFarland persona, forever changing his trajectory.
Key details about Cleetus' rise:
YouTube Channel Start: 2009, initially using his real name.
Breakthrough Moment: A viral video in 2015 where Kyle Loftis of 1320Video jokingly called him "Cleetus."
Current Status: Over 3 million subscribers and an expanding motorsports empire.
Major Influence: Kyle from 1320 Video, who helped him break into the industry.
Buying a Racetrack and Betting It All
Dale Jr. dug into one of Cleetus’ boldest moves—purchasing Desoto Speedway (now The Freedom Factory) in 2019. Cleetus detailed how he went “all-in,” selling everything he had to secure the track, only to be met with the unexpected challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down events shortly after.
Purchase Price: $2.2 million (with $1 million owner-financed)
First Major Offer: A developer tried to buy it for $1 million more than he paid immediately after purchase.
Financial Hardships: His IRS check bounced post-purchase, and his account was negative $90,000 at one point.
Game-Changer: Created the Freedom 500 pay-per-view race, which had 75,000 viewers in its first event.
Major Investments: Over $440,000 on lighting and poles, $350,000 on bleachers.
“I literally went to that closing with everything I had. Every single dollar.” - Cleetus McFarland
A Leap into NASCAR—Daytona, Talladega, and Beyond?
One of the biggest reveals of the interview was Cleetus’ unexpected foray into NASCAR racing. What started as a fun idea turned into a full-blown ARCA debut at Daytona, with Cleetus getting behind the wheel at one of the most intense superspeedway events in motorsports.
Key NASCAR journey moments:
First Exposure to Stock Cars: Running Crown Vic races at Bristol and other venues.
ARCA Start: Connected with Greg Biffle, who guided him into the sport.
Daytona Test: "When I hit fourth gear and stayed wide open, I was like ‘Damn, this is awesome.’"
First Race Outcome: Caught in a wreck, but confirmed plans for Talladega next.
Future Aspirations: “I told Greg, ‘I want to race the Daytona 500.’”
Dale Jr.’s Advice: “Don’t do what you don’t know. Sit still, wait for the right moment, and let the race come to you.”
Beyond Racing—Aviation, Family, and Hurricane Relief
Cleetus’ passion for speed doesn’t stop at cars. He shared details about flying helicopters into disaster zones, specifically his role in relief efforts in North Carolina following a major storm. Teaming up with Greg Biffle, Cleetus spent days rescuing stranded families, delivering essential supplies, and coordinating aerial assistance.
Mission Start: He and his wife Maddie flew to North Carolina on 5 hours' notice.
Biggest Challenge: "We were landing in places where power was completely out, using just a flashlight."
Miracle Fact: Despite the dangers, not a single helicopter pilot crashed.
“Do It for Dale” and Future Plans
One of the most heartwarming moments of the conversation came when Cleetus expressed his admiration for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and the legacy he left behind. The phrase “Do It for Dale” has been a staple in Cleetus’ content, and hearing Dale Jr. embrace it made for a special moment between the two.
“I say it at the end of almost every video. It’s a lifestyle.” - Cleetus McFarland
Dale Jr.’s Response: “I love it. It’s a great way to keep Dad’s legacy alive.”
So what’s next for Cleetus McFarland? From more NASCAR races to wild aviation experiments (hint: a floating aircraft carrier made from pontoon boats!), his creative ambition shows no signs of slowing down.
With Dale Jr. extending an open invite to race at the Freedom 500, could we see the NASCAR Hall of Famer trading bump drafts for Crown Vics soon? If this episode proved anything, it’s that Cleetus McFarland thrives on the unexpected—so don’t rule anything out!
