Donald Freind has found himself again in a commanding position in the WA Supercharged Outlaws championship, holding on to the points lead at the mid point of the season in one of the toughest domestic competitions in Australia.
For the Dowerin-based farmer, continuing to be a successful drag racer is the realisation of a childhood dream. Freind says that his first ever drag race may have been one of the first organised races ever held in WA, a race on an unsealed road in Dowerin itself.
“I always had a burning desire to go drag racing and often would tell my family I was going to do it one day,” he said. “Then I saw an unfinished project and with the encouragement of my family I purchased ‘The Jester’ Holden ute.”
Uniquely the Jester was actually a project of current Adelaide promoter Rino D’Alfonso.
Equipment is one thing but Freind credits the people around him as being more integral to the wins at Perth Motorplex. Son Colby tunes the car and Freind said he believes he is one of the best tuners in the country when it comes to the consistency needed for Supercharged Outlaws.
“To be successful in most things in life you need good people around you and I have a very good team,” he said. “Colby just keeps getting better. I have a very well built car that handles well and most of the time drives straight; it’s a pleasure to drive.
“I think we are so successful because we are a team, it’s hard to beat a good team in any sport.”
To be successful in most things in life you need good people around you and I have a very good team
The family is just as important in keeping business going off the track. When harvest calls there can be many diverse tasks in addition to keeping a race team operating.
“Going drag racing is not always easy for us as four of the events are during our harvest,” Freind explained. “Colby and I often have words when I want time off to get the car ready to race.
“I say I need time to work on the car and he says I want you to work so needless to say sometimes I have got to remind him who the boss’ father is!
“Generally these meetings are very long days for us, it’s a three hour drive to the track, we race, then pack up and drive home that night ready for work in the morning.
“But drag racing is a very good thing for Colby and myself, we work together and there is a lot of stress in farming but when we go racing we are focused on one outcome; I think that is special.”
Freind has set his drag racing goals beyond the borders of WA, wanting to be one of the best in the country.
“I would like to win at least one more West Australian championship but I would dearly love to be the best Outlaw racer in Australia,” he said. “And not because we had a lucky run to the final but because of cunning and skill. I will always be a Supercharged Outlaws racer, it’s all our budget allows, so my aim is to be the best.”
