VEN THOUGH the Freeman family business is drag racing , Casey Freeman ’ s route played out a little differently .

“ I was always in sports , so I never really was involved in racing growing up ,” explains Freeman . “ I ’ ve been around it my whole life , but just on weekends .”

Freeman found himself pursuing football and was a quarterback in college for four years . However , he felt the pull to Wynnewood , Oklahoma , and that drag racing runs deep in his blood , with a lineage that stemmed from Pro Stock legend Royce Freeman Sr .

Upon arriving at Elite Motorsports , he started as an entry-level employee mopping floors , delivering coaches , and working in the shop .

“ I had no background in motorsports at all ,” admits the youngest Freeman . “ I didn ’ t have any knowledge about Pro Stock , no knowledge with tools – it was kind of an uncomfortable situation for me .”

Freeman didn ’ t let his uncomfortable circumstances dissuade him and embraced the learning process . He began working with Alex Laughlin , doing the back half on his car and the transmission . Then , mid-season in 2020 , Freeman was moved with Pro Stock veteran “ Big Al ” Lindsey to Aaron Stanfield ’ s Pro Stock car . For the first year on Stanfield ’ s car , Freeman was responsible for the back half and the transmission .

Now in his fourth season , Freeman plays an intricate part on Stanfield ’ s car and takes on the clutch duties , finding enjoyment in being a part of the family business . Additionally , Freeman quickly became a leader and even helps train new hires and manages various parts of Elite Motorsports .

“ You see , the classes get young drivers , and they ’ re getting younger and younger . Well , that sparks younger guys that they want to be involved in drag racing and be on a crew because the drivers are young ,” he explains .

When asked how he feels about being an influential figure in the sport , Freeman humbly admits that he wants his work to speak for him .

“ I just try to be the hardest worker I can be and be an example for younger kids ,” he explains , “ and you don ’ t have to have a background in this to get started . You just have to have the right people around you who ’ ll help you and see the big picture .”

A simple but straightforward message from Freeman , who hopes to inspire others to get involved with the sport .

“ Just from speaking in Pro Stock , every person matters on the car . Everybody ’ s got to trust each other ,” continues Freeman .

Furthermore , the 27-year-old ’ s goal is to continue working with Stanfield as his right-hand guy , doing everything he can to help him win .

“ It ’ s been fun to work with him . He ’ s a talented driver and a talented worker ,” Freeman says . “ He ’ s very smart . He understands drag racing , so it ’ s been good to be around him , learn from him , and get the lingo down . He sounds like he is locked and loaded for 2024 , and I ’ ll stay on his car and hopefully chase the championship .” – KAYLA ZADEL DI

118 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 185