Larry Chen finds out how

One of the most iconic automotive KZbin personalities to date is Cleetus McFarland, otherwise known as Garret Mitchell. And unless you've been living under a rock you've probably stumbled across one of his videos. Recently Cleetus held a race at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway for all of his favorite automotive KZbin friends and Larry was fortunate enough to be on that list. Larry sits down with Cleetus to discuss the evolution of his KZbin Channel and his newly assumed role which Larry thinks is paving the way for the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.
Presented by Pennzoil: www.amazon.com...
Subscribe to our KZbin channel for new videos every day! bit.ly/HagertyY...
Visit our website for daily automotive news, cars stories, reviews, and opinion: www.hagerty.co...
Stay up to date by signing up for our email newsletters here: www.hagerty.co...
Follow us on social media:
Facebook | / hagerty
Instagram | / hagerty
Twitter | / hagerty
If you love cars, you belong with us. Hagerty Drivers Club is the world’s largest community for automotive enthusiasts. Members enjoy valuable automotive discounts, exclusive events and experiences, roadside service created specifically for collector vehicles, and a subscription to the bimonthly Hagerty Drivers Club magazine. Join Hagerty Drivers Club here: www.hagerty.co...
Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuilds | Time-lapse engine rebuilds from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineR...
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFInd...
Jason Cammisa on the Icons | The definitive car review
bit.ly/JasonCa...
Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
bit.ly/JasonCa...
Contact us:
Suggestions and feedback - [e-mail]
Press inquiries - [e-mail]
Partnership requests - [e-mail]

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Thanks for watching guys. Hopefully I can get behind the wheel again with Cleetus and friends.

[@CoyWhite]

Cannot WAIT to see you on drift week dude, been watching more and more lately of these pieces and they’re always a cut above. 🤟

[@Smurphenstein]

Us photographers often don't get the recognition racers do. I am definitely going to seek out your channel and follow you. Great video and loving your photography already. Loved the helicopter chasing the cars in the desert and drone shots following the drift car at the end.

[@traveler142]

why would you want to... If you want to Intentionally wreck yourself out of a race, I would suggest running in a demolition derby.

[@sunsetlights100]

@@traveler142 Did the lead car cause the situation!?

[@pappawmiked2162]

So glad you didn't get hurt! This story was great! Keep up the phenomenal work!

[@DeweyWRX]

Garret deserves every amount of praise he gets. True legend in the community. Calling him the "center" is about as accurate as it gets.

[@NunnSkull]

I agree 💯. Garrett has done amazing things connecting the many worlds of motorsports.

[@theangrymarmot8336]

Not only has Cleetus and his crew made a serious impact in the automotive culture - he has brought other amazing people and efforts into the forefront. Cleetus has had a major effect on making other channels / shops / people known. PFI Speed, Boosted Boiz, Kevin @ KSR, Cooper, Dr Tune'em all, Finnegan, Taylor Ray, etc - while these people on their own are contributing to the culture, Cleetus collaborating with them has exposed them to a huge audience. We live in a golden age of automotive content, never before have we had such a variety of available content, made by people who are truly enthusiasts. While "traditional" media (Looking at you MotorTrend / Discovery) can't seem to realize what the viewers want - these "small" by comparison content creators that are sometimes merely documenting their real daily work / hobbies are delivering top notch content that engages and inspires the viewer. We don't need celebrities, drama, or bazillion dollar builds, or content shot in 8k and carried by a "network" with scripted episodes happening in shops that exist solely as a function of the show. I would rather watch Brent @ PFI speed help and tune a normal dude's 400whp Civic than watch Kevin Hart hype up some million dollar car build in some over produced, scripted, BS show that 99% of enthusiasts can't relate to or don't care about. Same with Cleetus' races, I would rather watch a bunch of people who are just normal people race a bunch of crown vics, jet sprint boats, drag and drives, etc - than I would watch NASCAR, NHRA, F1 , etc. I would rather watch Kyle and the boys run 9s in the Hatch, Jamie @ PFI banging gears, or George set PB's in a blazer - then watch John Force's crew at a top fuel event (and that isn't a dig on them - I just like watching stuff that is more "real" for normal people....) It is why KlutchKickers is better than FD - it is relatable and obtainable - that is why people like Taylor Ray have a bigger fan presence than someone like Taylor Hull at the KK events. I think this is also the most important thing to keep our culture alive. The "I can do that" availability, when a car person realizes they can go out, do a great burnout, attend an autocross, watch a cleetus event, and they can afford to do it - that is what keeps this all alive. And then there is you, Larry. Don't discount your impact on our culture. You bring us pictures and videos that we replay in our heads, document the moments that would otherwise be missed, and with series like this - show us who is actually behind these spectacles we enjoy. Just as important as the events, races, and personalities is the documentation and capturing of the moments. I have enjoyed your work since you started - and you keep delivering. I am sure Cleetus would have you out to race again, I think as a community we need to make sure he does via comments. I have been building high end hot-rods / customs / race cars for nearly two decades and when I am feeling burned out, or find the motivation waning - I can always take a look at content like this, or watch some of the creators / people I mentioned and find inspiration. Big thanks to all of them - the work is appreciated.

[@kariannestudeman1909]

That was quit a rant Marmot, A really GREAT one, thank you! your passion is in it as purely as Larry's shows in his videos. Thank you,

[@gregbrown6379]

I'm 55 and have been into cars and racing since before I could legally drive. I lost that passion over the years with work and family. I discovered Cleetus right after my divorce and he's brought back that fire for both cars and racing.

[@JohnDoe42O]

Kevin Smith didn’t mean to do that. Let’s set that record straight. He is an amazing guy and he just won the Danger Ranger 9000

[@tedzehnder961]

He also got to prepare his own car/truck for that race.

[@LawzyDog]

@@tedzehnder961 so did everyone else?

[@jacksonking7814]

Kevin wasn't trying to wreck anyone and he wasn't trying to take first, he was trying to push second passed 1st

[@Happy_2_Wheels]

Man Larry, never EVER lock your elbows like than again before a crash, EVER.

[@fastdays_1]

That's the fist thing people do when crashing, it's the instinct. When taking safety or track driving lessons this has always to be remembered: when you crash, don't straight your arms otherwise injuries will be worst. A correct seating position, closer to the steering wheel, is also another way to prevent this move as you can't physically straight your arms (I guess 10% of people driving the streets are setting their seat right). Safety is a must when driving so my suggestion to anyone is always to take a safety driving course before their 20s: this will save so much bones and lives while also preparing you at best.

[@Xayuap]

@@fastdays_1 don't you need that course to get a license where you live?

[@fastdays_1]

@@Xayuap sure but it’s a driving course that teaches you the basics (sono italiano come te e il corso per la patente di guida non ti insegna queste cose)

[@Xayuap]

@@fastdays_1 yeah, sicuramente considerano che ci sono molte sicure le strade

[@Xayuap]

@@fastdays_1 but you are right, safety is a must for every thing we might do in life,

[@jayallen408]

Cletus is absolutely a huge part in saving the car culture. I'm 43 years old and I didn't start building any one of the cars I have until I started watching that kid. So when the EPA comes down on car culture we all have to stand up and fight the EPA. Or else they'll take it all away from us.

[@DaveKootchie]

I love how Larry is one of the biggest names in the car industry and yet he still fan-girls when he meets people and gets to do stuff like this!

[@sethdunlap9868]

I saw that race covered on a couple different channels, but honestly this is the best I have seen yet. Great coverage and (obviously) amazing camera work!

[@KlipschHead281]

The sheer amount of money Cleeter must go through to put on these events must be staggering. I've been watching since Cleeter was invented and he never fails to entertain and make you want to keep coming back. He will be known as a legend one day and is well on his way there, he is very clearly very smart and his instincts are so spot on regarding steps to take to move forward. The people he is taking along for the ride, are top notch, I'll be watching everything he does as long as he is doing it.

[@adamdavies1249]

I don't agree with how they claim ksr deliberately caused the crash

[@1BlackSheep]

God I hope Cleet never stops not ever. Garret I love you buddy. Greatest channel on the Tubes.

[@eichler721]

Bet if you reach out Cleetus would love to have you back. Also great outlook and sportsmanship even though your race ended early. Some other people at the event where not so mature.

[@uglymechanics6599]

Yep lots of click bait "whoa is me" kind of attitude. You'd think some people hsd never raced cars before.

[@eichler721]

@@uglymechanics6599 agreed its sad that from the lowest level of racing like 24hr of lemons to the heights like F1 wrecks happen and many times it's not your fault but you get over it and try to win the next time. Crying just makes people not want to work with you in the future. Nobody is special and no race is meant to cater to one person.

[@bigmikeg84]

It was great to see your side of the event, and I'm glad you got to put this story out there. Cleetus definitely brought my interests in cars and racing to another level when I found his channel years ago.

[@stern12akachris32]

The quality of this series is off the chart . Everyone one is worth multiple watches

[@duckedup]

Larry Chen I appreciate this and did not realize Hagerty and you were there, looking forward to going back and watching your vids! Kevin from KSR caused the wreck, he's super competitive but he is not malicious, he made a mistake and no doubt he feels terrible about it. He's no Tony Stewart!

[@wbball15]

Hagerty, thanks for sharing Larry's story with us, and for your immense promotion of motorsports.

[@ontariofishing1790]

Best coverage of the wreckage I have seen so far.... But all I can really say is God bless that everyone was okay!!!

[@wirekat]

Larry's a class act! Thanks for all you do for motorsports!

[@ryanlowe3588]

Cleetus is taking over car culture, his events are what our aussie ones used to be… I can’t wait until he bring them to Australia

[@MrAnimalsrtasty1]

"A picture says a thousand words ". Thanks for the many stories you've shown us over the years, and cheers to many more.

[@Rmx2011]

When it comes to the result of the race, that's just racing. Love all the effort that goes into this show, the shots and sound design stand out!

[@coreybaker2485]

Gotta respect the Cleetus crews love for what they do. Also my favorite KZbin channel ever

[@SXSPRIME]

Sous from side x side blog really buggered that up novice drivers make the biggest mistakes

[@danielmorskijr411]

Great video. I feel the same. Cleetus has brought a new life to drag racing. It had gotten to be the sport of the rich. He showed anyone can do it again. And he has spawned a whole rash of creators that cover the gamut of motorsports. I was amazed at Indy this year when the majority of the crowd braved a nasty storm for the show. Me included...

[@adamwinters4448]

This was so cool to watch...thank you for taking the time to bring us along and record

[@Zairn12345]

“Someone in third place thought I’d be a good idea to go for first place like it was the final lap.” Well, it was competitive out there. You can imagine the trash talking leading up to it, and in circle track, it’s typical to give a bump if you have the speed to help the lead car push through and ahead. The outside car (Hallie) was holding the third place car back and so the push was needed from the third places perspective. Unfortunately, it caused a wreck. This is known as a racing incident, and it happens. Sucks to happen so early and I wish it was later in the race to allow for more laps down and more racing for sure, but that’s racin.

[@ChevTecGroup]

No joke, cleetus got me more interested in racing than I've ever been. Planning on going to some in-person races soon for the first time in a decade

[@danmyers9372]

What made the wreck so bad was the steep angle of the turns. They prevented drivers from being able to see what was occurring in front of them until it was too late. Imagine this same problem with cars going double the speed!

[@xaviercb73]

Awesome report. Hats off to you and your team. Gerrett is saving Motorsports.

[@EricsBBQAndMORE]

I’ve been watching Cleetus from the early days and watching him grow into what he is today has been so entertaining and exciting! Hell yeah brother do it for Dale!

[@dakotajohnson4298]

Cleetus the ambassador of car culture 🤙

[@Bustayote69]

Great video... Glad you got to experience it first hand... Thank you for sharing~!

[@smallcityhomesteaders1600]

Holy crap man......next level editing! I got a lil choked up for a part or 2. New sub here. So glad even your racing dreams are coming true as well. Don't let one crash stop you. "A man is not measured by his falls, but his ability to get back up".......wish i remembered who said it first but regardless, your livin the dream brother and I can't wait to see whats next.

[@ispeakmurican4327]

Love it when 2 channels I follow closely collaborate!

[@dallascowboy23]

he's bringing the fun car stuff that's for sure!

[@MrGman891]

The title of this says it all. In highschool 2002-2007 there were a few guys that drove cool cars and modded them. (I even went to school with the guy who runs Poor Man Mods.) But it really seemed like after 2008 everything just got to expensive and when I discovered Garrett on 1320 Video, from the start I thought he was going to be big in the scene but who would have guessed it would have gotten as big as it has. I love it, and every day I'm looking out for the next video. One day I'll have a vet or something fun that I can go to Cecil County dragway in.

[@mauryamckendrick5446]

You were killin it behind the wheel of that Vic! Like you said you had nowhere to go other then where you went into the back of the cars in front of you. Bummer that happened but that's racing!! Glad you were ok and I really liked the interview also!! Great job

[@GrinDiesel1969]

What an amazing Episode Larry, Nice!! We need you at more events, of course taking the Epic Pictures you always do, but I mean behind the wheel Driving!! We need you vindicated from that crazy Wreck!! 👍👊🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁🇺🇸🏁

[@justinoliver1984]

I have nothing but respect and love for the McFarland racing team. Helluva good bunch of guys/gals and very thankful I've had the pleasure and opportunity to watch the man create & live his LEGACY. Garrett "Cleetus" Mitchell will forever be a legend in the motorsport community.

[@juliendaoust6391]

Larry, YOU are car culture. You rassemble everything that existe in a beatyfull way on your channel. I did never miss one of your video becuse its always so tasty. Thanks to doing all that for our generation.

[@Scoobienorth]

Such a cool show. I love the positive vibes and people supporting each other while being competitive. Cars and car culture should be about having fun. Both Robby Gordon with supper stadium trucks along with Cletus make for really fun car stuff

[@tnutss]

I never thought I would like your content so much! It’s just a such a broad spectrum and every video is a snippet of the vast car world that I never knew or thought I cared about

[@ChrisMeirose]

Cleetus is a force of nature in car culture. Making having fun with cars great again. Hell yeah brother!

[@mr.savagebanana3284]

Cleetus is one of the reasons I support track events, somtime they be charging 60$ to to participate in like small stuff but gotta keep the track open small sacrifice to pay.

[@Andrewmazda]

As a massive car enthusiast myself im resorting a hq holden wagon and if took my car to a show and made one kid happy and he likes my car all the time and money I've spent my car wouldn't matter because I made that kids day and probably turned him into a future car enthusiast

[@kantorobo7718]

Hope you can race again next year Larry :), your a legend for shooting the rest of the race.

[@504DamnSkippy]

So glad everyone made it out safe! Always love your work ethic/hustle Larry! Keep it up and see you at SEMA!!

[@joshuaking34]

Awesome film. Even better that you and everyone else is safe. Don't worry about Finnegan, he's used to it.

[@diegogobeti]

Awesome editing , cheers from Brazil !

[@benmac6485]

Great aspect to look at! Cleetus had me hooked on watching a number of channels from maybe one or two of his early videos. They way he introduces other channels is awesome. Cool vid Larry! 🤙

[@Akestler]

Larry is a great automotive interviewer.

[@vancity_coaster]

Wicked stuff, glad you came out on top! Your a fantastic dude and Garrett is an icon now a days for sure. Love his enthusiasm for the push to win.

[@kred3208]

Larry, thank you so much for what you do. Bringing the car culture to the masses. You do it so well, and what an amazing humble person you are. Thank you. Cleeter. This guy and his team. So much fun. Cleetus McFarland is in my top 5 you tube channels. I watch them all. He and the boys are always so pumped and so positive, with all the negative crap going on in our country right now, it is so much fun to see them do their thing. And you are right, he is helping to make racing fun again. Oh watch a couple hrs of NPK's and a couple hrs of Cleetus and compare your blood pressure. Keep doing what you do. Peace

[@gordonlindsay9205]

Great video! Thank you for posting this!

[@joshuagibson2520]

I'll take dangerous freedom. Every. Single. Time.

[@zacharyclement8100]

Great content 👌 glad you had a good time and didn't get hurt.

[@ralph-wrecked-it]

Absolutely epic, love all Larry's event coverage! Such a dude.

[@scottjordan6569]

You did quite well, Larry you rocked it!

[@chrisperkins4728]

I live in the middle of the Cali and the closets drag strip is over 100 miles away. It difficult to find time to get out there. Most people just race up a concrete road out in the country. It's the only option we have

[@sporty196071]

Very cool I would love to make it there for a few of the events. I love what Cletus has done with the place!!!

[@carswithaaron]

It sucks you got wrecked out so soon but I really hope you get another opportunity to race in one of the crown vic races. Hopefully a Freedom Factory race, I'll go to that one! 💗

[@Edward135i]

15:48 I know that it was a instinctual thing to do because I've done it when I was in a wreck and I'm speaking from experience. but your so lucky you didn't break your arm Larry bracing it like that on top of the wheel. Thank God they had disabled the air bags.

[@HRM.H]

Killer video !! Cleetus is a legend

[@Weird600]

Great Job as always Larry

[@jasonbirch1182]

Very well done piece here. As far as the crash the fact you hit the two cars offset so the first crused some before the second impact probably did you a big favor. I hit a car parked on the track in an endro at like 45 and wow. That was a shot. Lucky I was in a Mercedes and harness/race seat too.

[@andrewmackay3382]

I’m a big Cleeter fan been watching for ages I love the cross pollination into I other channels its an organic thing !! I hope you look into the realm of the car revival guy’s finding old cars getting them going and driving them home !! Anyway love the piece it was great !!

[@iwikeu]

Thank you Larry for all you do. Centuries from now people will reference the history you have chronicled.

[@6hana9]

This is actually my first time seeing Larry's race on the track with windshield cracking. That's sick

[@MrWoodyBalto]

Thanks Larry! Cleeter is indeed da MAN!

[@Reidinsonmedia]

amazing video Larry ! you are truly one of the biggest automotive inspirations in the world man !! thankyou for the amazing content always

[@caldwellbrett6]

You will get to race next year. Cleet wont forget.

[@Powershift]

Larry is doing just as much as Cletter when it comes to promoting racing and the car world. His images and videos reach tens of thousands of people.

[@CoopaCoop]

These videos deserve more views..

[@marioremondino9837]

Great video !!!! Top quality all around, music, emotion, volume, entertainment. A+ dude!

[@snakerb]

This is more NASCAR than NASCAR. I love it!

[@juliendaoust6391]

Can you cover an episode with Stance works? Could be AWESONE.

[@bubbakushingtonIII]

Make Racing Fun Again. MRFA. Great video Larry.

[@robertmeyer8221]

Hagerty content is all pretty good. Some shows I never want to miss while others... This was very good content.

[@tonykeast9966]

I'm with ya. Some notifications about a hagerty video I can let slide unopened, but there are some that I'm excited to make time and lap up. A big mix. I think it's improving, I do stay subbed... but a few things do let them down. It's not like I don't watch plenty weak af motoring content! So to point blank refuse to open certain Hagerty uploads says a lot. They'll get there. The good stuff is 10/10 and the lousy stuff 0/10. Crazy variance really. Like my ex's cooking or behaviour. Bipolar af.

[@556m4]

If you reach out to Garret and tell him you want a spot in the next race I’m sure he’ll oblige. He knows you never really got to race for real.

[@robertbragg1469]

That was an awesome weekend. I'm definitely going back if he has it again

[@simonlees2848]

I think the first video I watched was hot knife vs C7 tire when it was a trend and he was just starting out in his driveway

[@AClayton172]

Glad you got a show!!! Keep going bro!!!

[@rickharper1497]

Larry, you have done as much for the car culture as anyone and we thank you!!!

[@jjansen987]

I couldn’t agree more with your opening statement

[@MichaelBacon212]

Hope to see you in the 2.4hours of Le Mullets!!!!!

[@bumpedhishead636]

Excellent job Larry! Hagerty is just killin' it with some of the very best car content on the internet!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

What an impressive event and a great video Larry. Always the best quality content.

[@Scrolt89]

Such an amazing video. You're unreal Larry 🤙🤙

[@irishk5blazer]

What a great video. Seen your tag on photos for year nice to see a face.

[@jimpeterson8393]

Thanks for all your content Larry. Also, a huge ty for highlighting cleetus and being a part of the show.

[@dextermchaze]

Hell yeah brother!

[@thomastheriault9188]

Well done Larry You’re a rock star

[@rjnation5042]

With this interview all I can say is, HELL YEAH BROTHER, sorry it didn't go well for you, you gotta not stiffen up before impact, Rj in Oz

[@iankenney6515]

Fantastic coverage of the event! I'm sure you will be invited back, only your schedule would prevent it from happening.

[@viktorhaluzicky5216]

Larry, i think its cos everything nowadays is very superficial.not just cars. But as im typing this u might be right. Basically what u said on cletus fits on peeps with an interest. A hunger for knowledge honesty ....

[@leed7951]

Hell Yeah Brother. Incredible Vidya.

[@ForeverLoco4]

Hell yeah brother!!

[@nickyates7542]

Great episode!!