Don Freeland[1] (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 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 USACChampionship 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 three 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.
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. Freeland participated in eight World Championship races. He started on the pole 0 times, won 0 races, set 0 fastest laps, and finished on the podium one time He accumulated a total of four championship points.
.jpg)