David Freiburger Biography and Wiki
David Freiburger is an American automotive journalist, television host, and YouTube personality best known for co-hosting the car enthusiast series Roadkill alongside Mike Finnegan. He built his career around automotive journalism, working as an editor for several major car magazines, including HOT ROD, Car Craft, Rod & Custom, and 4-Wheel & Off-Road. Freiburger is also recognized for his hands-on approach to car projects, his collection of classic vehicles, and his involvement in land-speed racing. After Roadkill ended production in 2024, he shifted his focus toward his independent YouTube channel and other automotive media projects.
David Freiburger Age and Birthday
David Freiburger was born on August 21, 1967, in the United States. He is 59 years old as of 2026, and his zodiac sign is Leo. He developed an interest in cars at an early age, influenced in part by his father, Jim Freiburger, who owned several European cars. By his teenage years, David was collecting automotive magazines and learning about classic cars, interests that later shaped his career in automotive journalism.
David Freiburger Height and Weight
The Television director is reported to be approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall. His weight has not been reliably established in an authoritative source.
Education
David Freiburger attended high school, where he pursued both academic studies and automotive shop classes. In an account of his early life, he recalled taking advanced placement English alongside auto shop, despite the combination being discouraged. He also benefited from automotive instructors who helped develop his technical knowledge and interest in the industry. After graduating, he began working in the automotive business rather than following a conventional college-to-career path.
David Freiburger Parents and Family
David is the son of Jim Freiburger, whose interest in European automobiles helped introduce him to car culture. He recalled attending races with his father when he was young, including events in Southern California. Those early experiences contributed to his enthusiasm for motorsports and vintage vehicles. He has generally kept information about his mother and any siblings out of his public career, focusing instead on his work and automotive interests.
David Freiburger Wife
Freiburger is married, although he has chosen not to reveal his wife’s name publicly. The couple met while working at Petersen Publishing, the company behind several of the automotive magazines that shaped his career. In a 2021 article marking his 30th anniversary with HOT ROD, Freiburger affectionately described his wife as a “Petersen bride,” referring to their workplace romance. He also credited her with supporting his career and the demands of his automotive projects and media work.
David Freiburger Children
The Television director keeps his family life largely separate from his public persona. Although some biography websites make claims about his children, reliable confirmation of their names or number is limited. He has consistently avoided sharing family members’ names online, a decision that allows him to maintain a distinction between his personal life and his work in automotive media.
David Freiburger Career
David Freiburger built a career spanning automotive magazines, television, digital video, and motorsports reporting. He began his career with hands-on jobs in the automotive industry before becoming a recognizable personality in car enthusiast media.
After high school, Freiburger worked at a Dodge dealership parts counter, followed by positions at a machine shop and an aftermarket ignition company. He also wrote freelance automotive articles before joining Petersen Publishing in 1991. His first byline in HOT ROD appeared in the February 1992 issue, marking the beginning of a long relationship with the publication.
During his time at Petersen Publishing, Freiburger worked across several well-known automotive titles, including HOT ROD, HOT ROD Deluxe, Car Craft, Rod & Custom, and 4-Wheel & Off-Road. He eventually became editor-in-chief of HOT ROD and HOT ROD Deluxe, building a reputation for practical automotive knowledge and an enthusiasm for performance cars. He also contributed to the development of enthusiast events, including Hot Rod Drag Week and Roadkill Nights.
Freiburger’s career expanded into video when automotive publications began developing online programming. Around 2011, he began making car-focused videos with fellow automotive journalist Mike Finnegan. Their adventures eventually became Roadkill, a series built around driving, repairing, modifying, and testing unusual vehicles. The show’s emphasis on hands-on projects and unpredictable road trips helped it develop a substantial audience among car enthusiasts.
The Television director also became associated with Roadkill Garage and Engine Masters, further establishing himself as a television host and automotive presenter. His projects included several memorable vehicles, among them the F-Bomb Camaro, the Crusher Camaro, the General Mayhem Dodge Charger, and his 1970 Dodge Super Bee, known as the Rumble Bee. Freiburger is also a member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club, reflecting his involvement in land-speed racing.
In November 2024, MotorTrend ended production of Roadkill after 13 seasons, along with several related original shows. Freiburger subsequently concentrated on creating content for The David Freiburger Channel on YouTube, where he continues to share car rescues, mechanical projects, road trips, and automotive history. He also joined NHRA’s broadcasting team in 2025, appearing on NHRA.tv and select NHRA on FOX broadcasts. For 2026, the NHRA listed him among its announcers, extending his work into professional drag racing coverage.
David Freiburger Salary
Freiburger earns income through automotive media, digital video production, motorsports broadcasting, and related projects. His previous editorial positions and years hosting MotorTrend programs contributed to his professional earnings. His current salary has not been reliably published, but his work across multiple media platforms provides several potential income streams.
David Freiburger Net Worth
David Freiburger’s net worth is estimated at $1 million to $3 million. His wealth is associated with his decades in automotive publishing, television hosting, YouTube content creation, and motorsports broadcasting. His involvement in automotive events and his long-standing interest in buying, building, and driving classic vehicles are also important parts of his professional background.
David Freiburger Social Media
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