Freeman has been a name known at the Summer Shootout at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (NC) since 1993, as the racing family has had a car in competition every season since then. Between the three competing members of the Freeman family, they have covered all the bases and won in every division of racing offered by INEX, including the Thunder Roadsters.
For the 2009 summer season, 22-year-old John Freeman, who has been making his way through the ranks of Stock Car racing, stepped back into a Legends Car for the first time since 2003 to compete for the Pro division class in the 10-round series, which is touted as the top series in the country for Legends Car racers. After 10 weeks of racing action, Freeman was able to capture second place in the points race while also participating in the Humpy’s Heroes Driver Development Program.
“It was interesting getting back into a Legends Car,” stated Freeman. “It had been about six years since we raced one. I wasn't too sure how quick I could get a handle on one again. A lot had changed in six years, but we were quick to learn. The biggest thing I had to get used to was how well they stopped. Big cars do not brake that well, and these little things would stop on a dime. Also, mentally, I had to remember that these were 20-lap races and we had no time to ride - you had to get up on the wheel, where the big cars you got 200 laps. Now we only had 20 to get business done. But to come back and do what we did means a lot to me and my family. It was also a big part of my summer to be able to race close to my sister [Bailey Freeman]. She improved so much this year, and I had fun being a part of it.”
Even though Freeman wasn’t able to capture a win in the Summer Shootout, he was able to bring home the runner-up spot in the points battle and posted some very impressive finishes.
“We didn’t get a win during the Shootout, but it wasn’t for lack of trying,” said Freeman. “We brought home a bunch of seconds and seven top fives. I think that we were getting better as the season went on. I was getting used to the car, and Dennis Lambert (crew chief) and I were figuring each other out.”
After the completion of the 10-race Summer Shootout season, Freeman headed to Rockingham Speedway (NC) for the four-race Battle in the Carolinas, where he grabbed three wins and the mini-series championship.
“I had not gotten rid of my Legends bug in the Shootout so we took it over to Andy Hillenburg’s show at Rockingham,” explained Freeman. “They built an awesome Legends track, and it was a ton of fun. What I enjoyed most was that no one had ever raced on that track. We were the first, so it kind of evened the playing field. I was very happy to win three out of four and bring home the Battle of the Carolinas Championship. It was a good end to the season.”
Freeman treasures the experience and knowledge he gained in this year’s Legends Car summer racing and hopes to utilize it as he moves forward, hopefully back into Stock Cars.
“This year has been a great step in the right direction,” commented Freeman. “Some consider it a step back, but there is no price you can put on what is learned racing some of the best at the Summer Shootout. It is where I got my start, and no matter how far I go in this sport, I will always make an effort to come back and race there. I forgot how fun and competitive it was.
“I am looking to find my way back into a Stock Car opportunity,” continued Freeman. “My time spent in the NASCAR Camping World East Series gave me a lot of experience as well, giving me clearance from NASCAR to run some great tracks in different tours and I hope to take advantage of that sometime soon.”
Although Freeman has amassed much experience and knowledge on his own, he knows that his season would not have been as successful without the support of many others.
“I have to thank my dad,” said Freeman. “He is my outside-looking-in driving coach. I also have to thank my mom and sister, Dennis Lambert as crew chief, and also the Walker family for allowing me to drive their car.”
All in all, Freeman has enjoyed making his way back to the Legends car ranks and is proud of what he and his team were able accomplish this season.
“It was interesting making my return to Legends racing in the Pro Division of the Summer Shootout. It was kind of like jumping into the lion’s den trying to race with the best of the best all summer while learning along the way. Daniel Hemric (Pro Division Champion) is the top driver in the country, and had a phenomenal season. Obviously being the person I am, I always want to be first, but am really happy to bring home second behind the top-ranked driver in the country, especially since I haven’t been in a Legends Car for years. It was a tight season with a lot of really fast drivers and very large fields. I think our late-season push really put us in position to grab this second in the title chase.”
While the future is an open door for Freeman, the young driver is hoping soon to land in a solid ride as he continues to claw his way back up the ranks of racing.
For more information on John Freeman, please contact Jason Buckley at (704) 788-2134, and be sure to visit the John Freeman site at www.GoJohnFreeman.com.
