Died relatively recently in California after a long battle with ill-health. A former US navy mechanic who served his country in the Pacific, he raced in sprint cars and roadsters as well as some endurance events. For some years after his racing career had finished, Don promoted road safety in a number of high schools across California. Freeland came third in the national 1956 USAC Championship, which also included the same position at that year's Indianapolis 500. His daughter Deana later became a singer and songwriter. Don quit racing after seeing two many of his friends killed in crashes.

Biography last updated 15 Feb 2016