Back in the 1970s, Royce Freeman introduced his children to the sport of drag racing.
It was definitely a defining moment for his family.
Flash-forward to the present and son, Richard Freeman, has put together a thriving business at Elite Motorsports. The family-run company is based in Wynnewood, Okla.
The focus of Elite Motorsports is to be a one-stop shopping outlet for motorsports enthusiasts, especially those who are looking to form a new team.
Back in the 1970s, Royce Freeman introduced his children to the sport of drag racing.
It was definitely a defining moment for his family.
Flash-forward to the present and son, Richard Freeman, has put together a thriving business at Elite Motorsports. The family-run company is based in Wynnewood, Okla.
The focus of Elite Motorsports is to be a one-stop shopping outlet for motorsports enthusiasts, especially those who are looking to form a new team.
“People don’t have the time to do what is necessary to put together a quality racing operation,” Freeman said. “That’s where we come in. We can offer our customers everything from hard to find performance parts, in-house engine programs, truck and trailer combinations or a complete turn-key racing operation ready to take to the track. All of that can be seen on our website, elitemotorsportsllc.com.”
To help his internet business run smoothly, Freeman partnered with former Top Fuel world champion driver Michael Brotherton.
“Michael takes care of all our E-Commerce business,” Freeman said. “By utilizing our website and others that we partner with, we can move a lot of inventory.”
Elite Motorsports also goes well beyond just offering parts and equipment for customers to purchase.
The company also has the option for people to utilize its ride and drive programs.
These are hassle-free programs where all the participants have to worry about is driving. Elite Motorsports provides the race transporter, car, engine and crew.
Marty Robertson, who competes in the Mountain Motor Pro Stock class, and fellow NHRA Pro Stock drivers Mike Trumble and Ray Hoffman are all taking part in Elite Motorsports ride and drive program.
The newest addition to the Elite Motorsports operation is an in-house engine program.
To achieve its goal of producing championship-winning engines, Freeman hired veteran engine guru Jimmy Oliver to spearhead the venture.
Oliver’s impressive resume includes crew chief stints with Larry Morgan, Ron Krisher, Mike Thomas and most recently Tom Hammonds. Cory Mattison, who previously worked at Patterson Racing’s successful machine shop, is working alongside Oliver.
Elite Motorsports already has drivers using its engines, including NHRA Pro Stock pilot Rickie Jones, who is campaigning an Elite Performance 500-cubic inch motor.
Prior to establishing Elite Motorsports, Freeman worked in the used car business in 1997 and then bought two Ford dealerships in 2002.
Freeman became actively involved in the drag racing scene after the NHRA dropped the Pro Stock Truck class in 2001.
Freeman realized numerous racers were left with new equipment they could no longer use, and he seized the opportunity to help them and also advance his own career.
Freeman’s decision paid dividends and by 2005, he sold his two Ford dealerships to focus on building his Elite Motorsports business.
In 2008 and 2009, Freeman branched out as a driver, competing in the IHRA’s Mountain Motor Pro Stock Class. Initially, a one-car operation, Freeman brought on Frank Gugliotta as a teammate and then J.R. Carr as a ride and drive customer.
The trio had its share of success, highlighted by Gugliotta coming within a few points of winning the 2009 season championship. Helping fuel the success of Freeman’s three-car team were sponsors like Safety-Kleen, Chariot Coaches, Marc Heitz Chevrolet, Dusty Ballard GMC Pontiac, Big Red Sports and Imports and RJ Race Cars. These companies also continue to support all of Elite’s racing ventures.
Although Freeman isn’t currently driving, he still is active in Mountain Motor Pro Stock, serving as the title sponsor of the Mountain Pro Stock Association’s season-ending “King of the Mountain Crown,” race Oct. 15-16 at Tulsa Raceway Park.
“I felt that it was very important to continue my commitment with Mountain Motor racing, while growing my 500-inch business,” Freeman said. “I really love that style of racing. I also have a lot of customers that race within the new MMPSA series and I felt it was important to show them support. What goes around comes around. If companies such as mine that make a living off of racing don’t support those who support us, we lose our customer base.”
Richard’s strong work ethic today can be traced to the example his father Royce set.
In the 1970s, Royce owned two successful GM dealerships and he also competed in the Pro Stock and Factory Modified classes.
Like Richard, his two brothers Robert and Royce Lee also became involved in motorsports. Robert was a divisional and Jegs All-Star champion and Royce Lee also was an accomplished racer, winning numerous Top Sportsman races. Both Robert and Royce Lee have key roles at Elite Motorsports.
Robert serves as a crew chief or as a consultant for many of the ride and drive teams. Royce Lee, meanwhile, works in the race car sales and acquisition department and he also can be found trackside helping with customer’s teams and also with the family’s own racing operation. Ricky, a brother-in-law to the Freemans, also works with the family teams.
And, Richard’s wife, Kim is the glue that helps keep everything together.
“She puts up with a lot,” Richard said. “On any given day, you might find three or four of our crew or team members all staying at our place. She never misses a beat. Not to mention I am gone all the time. She takes care of everything at home. I never have to worry about anything.”
Richard actually sees all his employees at Elite Motorsports as family. Employees like Pete Smallwood. He serves as a co-crew chief with Robert with many of the in-house and family teams.
Through all of Richard’s endeavors, his passion for drag racing and the friendships he has formed remain the cornerstones that drive him.
“The business side of this is great and we have been very successful, but it’s the people who make this more fun and less work. They are what keep us going,” Richard said.
For more information on Richard Freeman or Elite Motorsports, visit www.elitemotorsportsllc.com .
