Don Freeland, 82; race car driver started eight times at Indianapolis 500

Don Freeland, 82, a Torrance race car driver who competed at the Indianapolis 500 eight times and finished third in 1956, died Friday in San Diego after a period of declining health, Indianapolis Motor Speedway said Tuesday.

A Navy veteran during World War II, Freeland began racing roadsters in Southern California shortly after the war and moved up to AAA and USAC competition in 1952. He had 36 top-10 finishes and was third in the 1956 USAC championship points.

Freeland drove at Indianapolis from 1953-60.