Cleetus McFarland’s Agony and Ecstasy at LS Fest West
Being behind the wheel at LS Fest sounds like a dream, but in reality Cleetus and his team face many obstacles–like a last minute trackside engine swap!
There are car shows, and then there is LS Fest. The weekend features a number of events that appeal to fans of all things LS and LT. Or, more accurately: It is a crazy fun, tire-screeching, smoky, thrillfest where LS-power is King. It is the perfect event for those that like to color outside the lines. So to compete on the track or off at LS Fest is a big deal. Even a seasoned pro like Cleetus McFarland shows it is a great time, but also a lot of work. Tech issues pop up frequently. It requires drivers and their crew to wrench on the fly, improvise, and rely on the kindness of strangers–and some good friends.
McFarland is a mainstay at Holley LS Fest. This year he was on hand for his Cleetus & Cars Burnout Competition and Donut Pit events. He will also be driving in races and competitions. His latest video goes behind the scenes with Cleetus and his Freedom Factory crew as they attend 2021’s LS Fest West in Vegas.
In retrospect, the beginning plays out like a horror film with ominous exposition. Cleetus is with James Taal (better known as “JackStand Jimmy”) as they watch their rides arrive on the trailer. It’s a beautiful day, the cars are coming off the trailer looking ultra clean, everyone is feeling good and optimistic; you can practically can hear birds chirping (or rather motors revving, which we prefer). First day of LS Fest … what could go wrong?
Cleetus passes the tech at Las Vegas Motor Speedway so he can race “Leroy the Savage,” his wildly stripped down 2001 C5 Corvette. Also known as the Vette Kart, it is a true quarter-mile assassin. Yes, that really is a Corvette. The 1,000+ hp twin-turbo 5.7L LS1 brute has a Holley Dominator EFI system and a host of mods that are always evolving.
McFarland lines up for a test run. It must be said that when Leroy launches off the line it is explosive, quite literally making the ground quake. As his first pass with new turbos, he hit 173 mph. While that is awesome, they really shredded the tires, and Cleetus still isn’t used to the new set up. So far, so meh.
He catches up with JackStand Jimmy. Haal has one sweet classic Chevy Nova with a potent LS set up featuring mirror-image twin-turbos. It has a rep as a track terror.
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Unfortunately, something goes wrong on his pass. After a lurch, the onboard camera catches the cabin filling up with smoke–and not the kind intended. Haal’s expression says exactly what we’d be cursing.
“Welp, have to see what happened there,” Jimmy says. “I’m no expert … I’m pretty sure I got a head gasket there and burned out a head.”
They investigate, and it turns out that the Nova’s engine block and head are toast. So, now what? Cleetus and the crew get in touch with some people, and fortunately someone came through. Unfortunately, that means they would need to do an LS swap right there and then.
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That same night, Cleetus was competing in a drifting competition in his Rocket drift car. His first run is rough, he can’t get the right steering, and knows something is off. He pops the hood and realizes the alternator is going. But a fellow attendee lends a hand and a battery.
Now, with the car powered up and aligned, his performance is forceful, powerful and fun. Watching the D20 just glides and handles so beautifully is just a hoot.
Check out the video to get a different perspective of LS Fest. We commend the drivers, builders, and LS enthusiasts for coming up with so many last-minute solutions. While the road to LS Fest West is a bumpy one, it is well worth it. All the sweat and grit really pays off in a show of LS performance that never fails to get our adrenaline pumping.
Photos: Cleetus McFarland; James Taal
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