FIREBALL HOPES TO HEAT UP THE COMPETITION AT CANANDAIGUA SPEEDWAY

Timeline July 29, 2000. A typical Saturday evening with a regular card of racing scheduled at Canandaigua Speedway. And it started out as such also for 37 year old Phelps resident Scott Fremouw. He had finished 2nd in his heat race which easily placed him as a qualified entry in the 20 lap Pro Stock finale. As the green flew for the feature event, all seemed to be going as well as expected and the laps began to wind down leading to the final checkered flag of the event. Suddenly on lap 14, a fireball erupted from one of the potent machines as it made it's way down the long backstretch. Everyone held their breath to see if the driver could extricate himself from the driver's compartment as the machine remained engulfed in flames still rolling into turn 3. Finally the driver emerged uninjured and the Canandaigua Safety Crew went to work extinguishing the flames. When the smoke cleared, it became apparent that Scott Fremouw or "Fireball" Fremouw as he has become known thanks in part to this incident, was the unfortunate recipient in this blazing ride. For weeks afterwards Fremouw was talked about as the video footage even landed him a spot on the nationally syndicated racing magazine, "This Week on DIRT". The footage may have been spectacular, but not exactly the way Fremouw wanted to be hailed.

As a child, Fremouw could recall the days of his father's racing career at the famed Waterloo Speedway. Even as a young child, watching his father compete left a profound impression on Scott and he knew that someday he would also climb behind the wheel of a stock car. Fremouw started his racing career in 1987 when he purchased a ride from Jim Hixson and he competed in a few selected shows. In '88, Fremouw really caught the bug as he raced the entire season and earned several victories. At the time Fremouw started his career, the Pro Stocks were considered Street Stocks and had 3 divisions; Rookie, Novice, & Expert. Fremouw's wife Betty would try her luck behind the wheel campaigning the same ride Scott piloted. Not only did Betty prove that it was possible for a lady to race with the guys, she immediately earned numerous victories both in the Rookie and eventually in the Novice division as well. In 1991, Scott saw his hard work and dedication pay off as he earned the Novice points championship. The following season Fremouw made the move to the Expert division which would take him to the combining of the divisions in 1994 to one solid full fendered field. As the '94 season took the initial green flag, Fremouw proved he was a serious contender by amassing 4 early season victories. He also held the advantage in the point's standings for much of the season until Steve Pesarek made a late season charge to cop the title relegating Scott to a second place in the final point's tally. Fremouw has shown flashes of greatness throughout the years after that time, but has never found the recipe to take him back to the top. Betty Fremouw joined her husband in the Pro Stock ranks as they purchased a team car and most still recall "the piece of undergarment" that Betty had flapping in the breeze on the back of her #3too. Now retired, Betty is very supportive of Scott's efforts to rise once again to the top.

"I really enjoyed when Betty could race out there with me, but the costs have skyrocketed so much we can't afford it anymore. I do have to thank those on board sponsoring me this season. My 2 main sponsors that have been with me for many years, Mike Barnard Chevrolet, Olds, Cadillac, and Steve Goebert from Goebert Automotive Supply (NAPA) have been so supportive and I thank them. I also have to thank Ivan & Izac Automotive, Tom & Jerry Video, & Hagger's Saloon. Their help has been very much appreciated. And, new for 2001 is Tri-Co Overhead Door & Wesley Construction. I am really excited about their support this season and I hope this will be a long-standing relationship. I'll do my best to make them proud to be on board my #3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo", Fremouw explained.

As for the 2001 season, Fremouw has only managed one top 5 finish and currently sits 13th in points at Canandaigua Speedway. His last visit to victory lane was June 25, 1994 although he has come close on several occasions since then.

"We have had a slow start to this (2001) season. Already we have managed to destroy a motor which in turn forced us to miss a week of competition including the first stop of The Automotive Recyclers Association of New York Pro Stock Super DIRT Series at Rolling Wheels. We would still like to follow the remaining events on the Series as well as compete on a regular basis at our home track, Canandaigua Speedway. Of course a driver's goal is always to win, but if we can manage to earn top 5's in the standings at the end of the season, I would be thrilled," Fremouw told me.

Asked of future aspirations, Fremouw quickly responded, "I have no desire to move up. I love the full fender action provided by the Pro Stocks and this is where I will stay. This is the division of the future in my estimation. Unfortunately for us, this may be our last season though as costs are really getting out of our league. The season is still young though so many things can change, including my mind when it comes to retirement.