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Cleetus McFarland Buys Pro Late Model to Level Up Racecraft
Cleetus McFarland Buys a Pro Late Model: A Big Step Up the NASCAR Ladder
Who Is Cleetus McFarland?
Quick Fact: Cleetus McFarland isn’t his birth name—it’s a character created by Garrett Mitchell, a popular automotive YouTuber with millions of subscribers. He started by making videos about burning rubber, building wild engines, and having fun at his own racetrack, the Freedom Factory in Florida. Now, he’s seriously chasing a NASCAR career.
Why a Pro Late Model? The "Secret Weapon" for Learning Racecraft
After getting advice from NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other pros, Cleetus decided to buy his very own Pro Late Model. Think of this car as the "college level" of short-track racing—a step below the big NASCAR national series, but way more advanced than a street car.
What Makes a Pro Late Model Special?
- Purpose-built race car – Not a modified street car; it’s built from the ground up for racing.
- Tons of grip – Sticky tires and aero help it stick to the track like glue.
- Manageable power – Around 450–500 horsepower (vs. 700+ in ARCA/NASCAR), so you learn car control without instantly spinning out.
- Short tracks – Races happen on small ovals (⅜ to ½ mile), meaning constant turning, close quarters, and lots of passing practice.
Important Point: Cleetus says this car will give him "racecraft you just can’t get good at unless you do it a lot." That means learning how to race door-to-door, defend your line, and make clean passes—skills that translate directly to NASCAR.
The New Ride: No. 33 Rette Jones Racing Pro Late Model
Cleetus unveiled the car in a recent YouTube video. It’s a No. 33 prepared by Rette Jones Racing, a respected team in the late model world. The paint scheme? Sharp. The potential? Huge.
First Test at Tri-County Speedway: "This Thing Is Sick"
Cleetus spent a full day testing at Tri-County Speedway (a ½-mile oval in North Carolina). Here’s how it went:
Test Day Highlights
- Immediate comfort – "Way better than all the other cars I’ve been driving."
- Incredible grip – "It’s got so much grip… the one time it slid, it actually drove okay."
- Less scary speed – "Wasn’t terrifying because I wasn’t going 180 mph."
- Physical workout – "My neck is literally burning—you’re almost turning the whole time."
- Brakes are "crazy good" – Strong stopping power lets you dive deep into corners.
- Minor spin – A small moment mid-session, but he recovered like a pro.
Cleetus’ Verdict: "This thing is sick. I’ll get a lot of experience for a lot cheaper than racing ARCA all the time—but I still plan to do ARCA too."
What’s Next on the Schedule?
| Event | Series | Track | Date/Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Model Race | Pro Late Model | Berlin Raceway (Michigan, ⅜-mile) | Planned for 2025 |
| Freedom Factory Events | Pro Late Model | Freedom Factory (Florida, ⅜-mile) | Hosted by Cleetus |
| NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series | Truck Series | Talladega Superspeedway | October 23, 2025 |
The Bigger Picture: Climbing the NASCAR Ladder
Career Highlights So Far
- Spring 2025 ARCA at Talladega – Nearly won! Finished 2nd to Andy Jankowiak in a wild finish.
- Earned ARCA pole at Michigan – Showed serious speed on a big track.
- NASCAR Truck & Xfinity (O’Reilly) debuts – Made starts in both national series this year.
- Signed a 2-year deal with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) – One of NASCAR’s most historic teams is now mentoring him.
The Learning Curve
Cleetus has been brutally honest about how much he still has to learn. His Truck and Xfinity races were tough, but that’s exactly why he bought the Pro Late Model: more reps, lower cost, faster improvement.
Summary: Why This Matters
TL;DR: Cleetus McFarland (Garrett Mitchell) bought a Pro Late Model to sharpen his racecraft on short tracks. It’s cheaper than ARCA, physically intense, and gives him the close-quarters racing experience he needs. Backed by RCR and advised by Dale Jr., he’s methodically climbing the NASCAR ladder—with a Truck Series race at Talladega on October 23 as his next big test.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What exactly is a "Pro Late Model"?
A Pro Late Model is a purpose-built, tube-chassis race car with a sealed crate engine (~450–500 HP), racing slicks, and high downforce. It’s the top division at many local short tracks and a proven stepping stone to NASCAR.
Why didn’t he just keep racing ARCA?
ARCA races cost $80k–$150k+ per race. A Pro Late Model season costs a fraction of that, and the short-track racing teaches traffic management, tire conservation, and bump-and-run skills you can’t learn on big tracks.
What is "racecraft"?
Racecraft = the art of racing other cars. It’s knowing where to place your car, when to lift, how to set up a pass, and how to defend without wrecking. It’s learned only by doing—lap after lap, door-to-door.
Who is Rette Jones Racing?
A respected late model team based in North Carolina. They build and prep cars for up-and-coming drivers. Cleetus’ No. 33 is their chassis/engine package.
What’s the Freedom Factory?
Cleetus’ private ⅜-mile paved oval in Florida. He bought it in 2020 and hosts events like "Cleetus & Cars" and the "Freedom 500." Now he’ll race his own Pro Late Model there.
When is his next NASCAR race?
October 23, 2025 – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Talladega Superspeedway (the big 2.66-mile superspeedway where he nearly won in ARCA).
Want to watch the full test day? Check out Cleetus’ YouTube channel for the unveiling and on-track footage!
