David Freiburger

From Magazine Editor to YouTube Star

David Freiburger has carved out a unique niche in the automotive content creation world, transitioning from traditional print media to becoming one of YouTube's most respected car enthusiasts. The 56-year-old automotive journalist has built a substantial following through his authentic approach to car culture, combining decades of industry experience with genuine passion for classic automobiles.^[1]

Career Foundation in Automotive Journalism

Freiburger's journey in automotive media began in 1991 when he started his career at Petersen Publishing, eventually working his way up to become editor-in-chief of Hot Rod Magazine, a position he held for 12 years.^[2] Before entering journalism, he gained hands-on experience working as a spare parts dealer at a Dodge dealership and contributed freelance articles to publications like 4WDrive Magazine and Chrysler Power.^[3] During his time in print media, Freiburger was instrumental in creating several major automotive events that continue to influence car culture today. He was part of the teams that developed iconic gatherings such as Power Tour, Roadkill Nights, Drag Week, and the Duct Tape Drags, establishing himself as more than just an editor but as an active participant in shaping automotive entertainment.^[2]

Television Success and Digital Transition

While still working at Hot Rod Magazine, Freiburger began experimenting with web-based video content, which eventually evolved into his television career. He became widely recognized as the co-host of Roadkill, which debuted in February 2012 and became one of the most popular automotive shows on the internet.^[3] The show's success led to multiple spin-offs, including Roadkill Garage, Roadkill's Junkyard Gold, and Faster with Finnegan, along with his work on Engine Masters.^[3] After Roadkill's run ended in late 2024, Freiburger launched his personal YouTube channel in August 2024, marking a new chapter in his content creation journey.^[4] His channel description emphasizes a more personal approach, featuring "gearhead vacation road trips" and updates on his well-known project cars, including the General Mayhem, Original Muscle Truck, and Crusher Impala.^[4]

YouTube Channel Performance and Content Strategy

Since launching his personal channel, Freiburger has demonstrated impressive growth and engagement metrics. As of June 2025, his channel @TheDavidFreiburger has accumulated approximately 429,000 subscribers and over 29 million total views across 131 videos.^[5] Recent performance data shows strong viewership, with over 1 million views in the past seven days and more than 4.4 million views in the last 30 days.^[6] His content strategy focuses on variety within the automotive niche, featuring road trips, project car updates, junkyard explorations, and automotive history segments. Popular recent videos include "I Bought a 1970 SUPER BEE PARKED SINCE 1989!" which garnered over 746,000 views, and "Here's What Happened to EVERY ROADKILL PROJECT CAR" with nearly 400,000 views.^[6] Freiburger maintains a consistent posting schedule, uploading new content weekly on Thursdays at 3:00 PM Pacific time.^[4]

Personal Life and Automotive Collection

Born on August 21, 1968, Freiburger is married to Dominique Meierotto and maintains a relatively private personal life despite his public career.^[7] His passion for automobiles began early, with his first car being a 1970 Dodge Super Bee that he purchased at age 15 for $1,800 when it had only 82,000 miles.^[2] Remarkably, he still owns this vehicle 39 years later, though it has been painted three times and now features a Hemi engine built by Dick and Mike Landy when Mopar Performance started reproducing blocks.^[2] Freiburger's automotive collection reflects his deep knowledge and appreciation for classic cars. He has owned more than 180 vehicles throughout his lifetime, with his current collection numbering around 22-23 cars.^[2] When asked about cars he regrets selling, he mentions a 1971 Road Runner with a 440 Six Barrel, Pistol Grip four-speed, Air Grabber, and Super Track Pack that he owned when he was 19.^[2]

Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Beyond his YouTube channel, Freiburger has expanded into new areas of automotive media. He recently began working as an announcer for NHRA drag racing, describing it as one of his most exciting new endeavors.^[8] This role represents a natural extension of his automotive expertise and demonstrates his continued evolution within the industry. His YouTube content continues to emphasize authenticity and educational value, often incorporating hot rod history into episodes while showcasing his personal automotive adventures.^[4] The channel serves as a platform for more intimate content compared to his television work, allowing fans to see his personal projects and adventures in greater detail. Recent collaborations, including appearances with longtime colleague Mike Finnegan, suggest that while his television chapter with Roadkill has ended, his influence in automotive media continues to grow through digital platforms.^[6]