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Cleetus McFarland Confirmed for Tekton 250 Berlin Showdown
Cleetus McFarland Takes on the Tricky Tekton 250 at Berlin Raceway
Who Is Cleetus McFarland?
Quick Fact: Garrett Mitchell is the real name behind the famous YouTube personality Cleetus McFarland. He’s a car-loving content creator who turned his passion into a real racing career!
- Real Name: Garrett Mitchell
- Alter Ego: Cleetus McFarland (the character with the mullet, the glasses, and the "Do it for Dale!" energy)
- Day Job: Huge automotive YouTuber with millions of fans
- New Gig: Serious oval track racer climbing the ladder step by step
The Big Race: Tekton 250 Battle at Berlin
When and Where?
- Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Time: 9:30 PM ET (check your local time!)
- Track: Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan
- Event: Tekton 250 Battle at Berlin
What Is He Driving?
- Car Type: Super Late Model
- Think of it as a beefed-up, purpose-built oval racing machine—fast, loud, and built purely for turning left!
What’s at Stake?
- Race Length: 250 laps (the longest race at this track)
- Winner’s Purse: $40,000 (the richest payout at Berlin Raceway)
- Prestige: Beating some of the best short-track racers in the country
Why Berlin Raceway Is No Joke
Important Point: Berlin Raceway is famous for being one of the trickiest short tracks in America.
What Makes It So Hard?
- Half-mile oval — short, tight, and fast
- Unique banking and bumps that upset the car’s balance
- Constantly changing grip levels lap after lap
Carson Hocevar’s Take
“There’s never been a perfect race car at Berlin. It’s just who is the best of the worst in handling.”
— Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Cup Series winner & Berlin local
- Hocevar knows best: He’s a multi-time winner at Berlin
- Defending Champ: He won the 2024 Tekton 250 and will be racing again this year
- Friend vs. Foe: Hocevar and McFarland are buddies, but on track? Gloves are off!
McFarland’s Racing Résumé (So Far)
| Series | Starts | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| ARCA Menards Series | 8 | Led 25 laps this season alone |
| ARCA Menards Series East | 2 | — |
| NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series | 2 | — |
| NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series | 2 | — |
2024 Season Highlights
- Talladega Superspeedway (April): Led 19 laps, finished 2nd
- Michigan Speedway: Started on pole position, led 6 laps
Note: The Tekton 250 will be his very first start in a Super Late Model. Talk about jumping in the deep end!
What’s Next? The Freedom Festival!
McFarland isn’t just racing and leaving—he’s sticking around for a two-day motorsports party!
August 14–15 at Berlin Raceway
- Host: Cleetus McFarland himself
- Main Event: “Freedom 100” on Friday night (Aug 15)
- Vibe: Cars, fans, fun, and pure gearhead chaos
How to Watch the Tekton 250 Live
Follow these steps to catch every lap:
- Go to FloRacing.com
- Click “Sign Up” or log in if you already have an account
- Choose a subscription (monthly or yearly)
- Tune in Wednesday, Aug 12 at 9:30 PM ET
- Enjoy the show!
Direct Sign-Up Link: Click Here to Subscribe
Summary
- Cleetus McFarland (Garrett Mitchell) is making his Super Late Model debut at the Tekton 250 at Berlin Raceway on August 12, 2026.
- Berlin is a notoriously difficult half-mile track—even pros like Carson Hocevar call it a handling nightmare.
- The race is 250 laps with a $40,000 winner’s check.
- McFarland has impressive ARCA and NASCAR starts under his belt, including a 2nd-place finish at Talladega this year.
- He’s also hosting the Freedom 100 festival on Aug 14–15 at the same track.
- Watch live on FloRacing with a subscription.
FAQ
Who is Cleetus McFarland?
He’s the online persona of Garrett Mitchell, a popular automotive YouTuber who’s now competing in real professional racing series like ARCA and NASCAR Trucks.
What is a Super Late Model?
It’s a high-horsepower, tube-chassis race car built specifically for short oval tracks. Think of it as the top tier of local short-track racing.
Why is Berlin Raceway considered so difficult?
Its half-mile layout, unique banking, and ever-changing surface make car setup a nightmare. Even the best drivers struggle to find a "perfect" balance.
Can I watch the race for free?
No, the Tekton 250 is exclusively on FloRacing, which requires a paid subscription.
What is the Freedom 100?
It’s a two-day motorsports festival hosted by Cleetus McFarland at Berlin Raceway on August 14–15, featuring racing, fan events, and lots of Cleetus-style fun.
