John Freeman

Over the winter months, many racers spend time indoors, whether it is working on their race car preparing for the new season or taking time off by lounging in front of the television. Other racers just cannot stop that racing itch, ending up in the warmer areas of the country to race.

John Freeman is one of those racers who simply could not wait until the 2008 NASCAR touring series season took the green flag. Instead of relaxing, Freeman joined Dan Burke in Florida for the 24 Hours of America Endurance Karting event at Moroso Motorsports Park. Not only did the team have everyone paying attention due to the rare two-driver entry for the 24 hour race, Freeman and Burke claimed victory in the GTP class as well as the overall race victory in an event that featured 31 teams from 12 countries.

The incredible drive to the top podium spot was even more special considering Freeman’s lack of Karting experience.

“I didn’t come from Kart racing like a lot of the guys coming up through the ranks of racing, so it is still fairly new to me,” said Freeman. “Last year I ran the 24 Hours of America for the first time at Moroso in West Palm Beach. We finished second in class. It was a four man team, and I learned a lot about Go Kart racing, road course racing and endurance racing on how you have to pace yourself.

“I also went to France and ran the 24 hour race at LeMans with some success. While there, my friend Dan Burke and I were bored because we were waiting while our teammates raced on the track since we were a five-man team. So we decided to try to race a two-man race. The sanctioning body and everyone else thought we were crazy and that it couldn’t be done, but we decided to try it since there was no harm in trying. We came into 2008 with our two-man 24 hour team to see what we could do.”

With stints in the car just over an hour and a half, both Freeman and Burke had to stay focused and alert as they split the driving duties. Other competitors didn’t think they could last the entire event, let alone race, but both racers proved they had the skill, determination and stamina to get it done.

“When we got there, we talked to many of the drivers and they said we were insane and had lost our minds, which gave us more of a drive,” explained Freeman. “Our biggest goal of this race was to finish and finish competitively, not win. Not only did we succeed in finishing, but we ended up winning in our class and winning the overall race.”

Besides trying to stay awake and focused for over 1000 laps of competition, both drivers had to endure six hours of rainy weather during the race. While they were both exhausted at the completion of the 24th hour of racing, Freeman was all smiles after the event.

“It was a challenge I wanted to prove to myself and everyone that I could do it. I am a little beat up as it is emotionally, physically and mentally draining, but it is something I am proud of. We are ecstatic to be able to pull it off with the overall win. It was even more special since I was in the Kart for the last stint, taking it across the finish line on the final lap.”

Stay tuned for more information on Freeman’s 2008 racing schedule coming soon.