Don Freeland

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Don Freeland (March 25, 1925 – November 2, 2007) was an American racecar driver who is best known for competing in the Indianapolis 500 eight times.

Born in in Los Angeles, California, Freeland served in the Navy as a mechanic during World War II. After the war, he began racing. He raced in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series from 1952 to 1962, with 76 career starts. He finished in the top ten 41 times, with a best finish of second place occurring 3 times.

Freeland competed in the Indy 500 each year from 1953 to 1960. He appeared headed for a second place finish in 1955 before a transmission failure ended his day 22 laps prior to the end of the race. He came back with a best Indy finish of third the next year. He also finished in the top ten in 1954 and 1958.

Freeland died in San Diego, California at age 82.

[edit] Indy 500 results

Year Car Start Qual Rank Finish Laps Led Retired 1953 38 15 136.867 12 27 76 0 Crash T4 1954 7 6 138.339 17 7 200 0 Running 1955 12 21 139.866 14 15 178 3 Transmission 1956 16 26 141.699 22 3 200 4 Running 1957 3 21 139.649 33 17 192 0 Flagged 1958 26 13 143.033 17 7 200 0 Running 1959 15 25 143.056 14 22 136 0 Valve spring 1960 73 11 144.352 14 22 129 0 Magneto Totals 1311 7

Starts 8 Poles 0 Front Row 0 Wins 0 Top 5 1 Top 10 3 Retired 4

[edit] World Championship career summary

The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Don Freeland participated in 8 World Championship races. He started on the pole 0 times, won 0 races, set 0 fastest laps, and finished on the podium 1 times. He accumulated a total of 4 championship points.