The 2009 racing season has been a rebuilding year for John Freeman. After taking some time off from racing to assist his family with their family-owned Freeman’s Stereo Video business, he jumped back behind the wheel of his #57 Legends Car with quick success, finishing second in the 2009 Summer Shootout Series, Pro division, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (NC), following that up with the Battle of the Carolinas title at Rockingham Speedway (NC).
This past weekend, the Legends Asphalt Nationals at Lanier National Speedway (GA) looked like a perfect place for Freeman to stuff his car into victory lane, but a motor issue cost him a shot at getting into the Nationals feature event.
“It was kind of one thing after another,” said Freeman. “We put this deal together at the last minute with some great guys. Hoyt [Demis] gave me the opportunity to drive this car. We got here and had motor issues out of it. Mr. Ruston helped us and got a hold of a motor for me, which was great. We got a brand new 600 racing motor, so we thought we were good.”
Just when Freeman thought he was on the fast track to success, contact with another racer and more motor issues terminated his weekend.
“In the heat race it was strong and we finally got the handle on the car and all of the elements came together. In the heat race, passing for the lead, we had someone turn down over the front bumper and tear up the car. I feel like we had a wrong call in that situation from the tower, but you can’t really argue with the tower, unfortunately. But we got put to the back, so we had to run the B-Main.
“We raced up to the B-Main and about lap 10 the motor started ticking and the valve let go about lap 15 or so as we were passing for the transfer spot. Oil started blowing and smoke started going everywhere and I knew something was wrong. It held on to finish the race and as soon as I could cut it off, it locked up. It’s a dud. I hate to be put out because of a motor issue especially because we came from 11th and were passing for fourth. We definitely had something for the top three and to not make the A-Main because of a motor issue is just frustrating, especially with a brand new one.”
The 2009 season is coming to a close, but Freeman is already looking towards next season to continue his rise back up through the sport of racing.
“We’re working really hard to figure out our 2010 plans,” said Freeman. “No matter what, I want to find a way to run the Shootout and do some Legends Car stuff next year just because I’ve had so much fun. We are also working really hard to find something up there on that next level, but unfortunately with the way the economy is, sponsors are few and far and development deals aren’t really out there unless the money’s behind them, so we’re searching hard trying to find that sponsor, and of course, any opportunity that’s got four wheels, I’ll drive it.”
