IS “CAR-GUY TV GOOFING JOURNALIST” A JOB?

I still view myself as a gearhead journalist, but the reality is that I’m a TV guy.

- David Freiburger

I’ve recently found myself rapt with nostalgia for the early-’90s days of being a HOT ROD magazine staffer under the wing of Gray Baskerville, mingling with the pioneers of the industry, hanging out at the Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin, Illinois, and being part of the founding days of the Fastest Street Car Shootout. My video and TV followers are a younger crowd oblivious to such things. I meet glazed eyes when I discuss my editorial history at HOT ROD, Hot Rod Deluxe, Rod & Custom, Car Craft, and 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazines.

Inversely, I’m curious if you readers understand what I’m up to. Many don’t realize I’m no longer involved in HOT ROD editorial other than this column. That ended three and a half editors ago as I phased out of my magazine Editor-in-Chief role and into the video portion of the business that’s ultimately become a division of Discovery—as in Discovery cable TV.