Garrett Mitchell, the internet personality who races under the moniker Cleetus McFarland, stepped onto the asphalt of Berlin Raceway in Michigan with a freshly built Pro Late Model that he hopes will finally bridge the gap between viral video stunts and genuine competition.
Qualifying 18th in a field stacked with seasoned ARCA veterans, Mitchell’s debut was immediately complicated by the high‑speed, low‑margin nature of short‑track racing, where a single misjudged corner can turn a promising run into a wreck.
During the opening laps he spun out and made contact with Keith Herp, a collision that ended both drivers’ nights early and left the car battered but not broken.
A Wreck That Was Only the Beginning
Rather than retreat, Mitchell’s crew worked through the night to repair the damage, and the next day he returned to the track for a 75‑lap follow‑up race that would test both the car’s reliability and his own resolve.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., speaking on his podcast, defended Mitchell’s efforts, emphasizing that racing is as much about learning through experience as it is about speed, and that crashes are an inevitable part of that process.
Learning Through Wrecks
The episode illustrates that mastery on the track comes not from flawless equipment but from repeated exposure to the sport’s unforgiving demands, a lesson that Mitchell is beginning to internalize as he refines his car’s handling and manages overheating issues.
Looking ahead, Mitchell plans to continue honing his craft on short tracks, targeting better qualifying positions and more consistent finishes, with the ultimate goal of translating his online popularity into a credible racing résumé.
A New Chapter for a YouTuber‑Turned Racer
Whether the next race ends in victory or another spin, the story of Garrett Mitchell at Berlin Raceway serves as a reminder that every lap, every crash, and every repair is a step toward the kind of competence that only time and tenacity can forge.