By Ben Deatherage
FORT MORGAN, Colo. (July 23, 2025) — There was no better place for Jeremy Frenier to notch the most meaningful victory of his career than I-76 Speedway — the very track where his racing journey first began.
On July 5, under a sky lit by Fourth of July fireworks and surrounded by friends and family, Frenier collected his 100th Friesen Performance IMCA Modified feature win. The victory made him the 66th driver to join the division’s prestigious Century Club.
“Getting it done at Fort Morgan was perfect,” said Frenier. “We had a lot of family and friends at the track. With it being the Fourth of July weekend, there were fireworks already planned — so to have that happening while celebrating my 100th win made it extra special.”
The feature was a draw-redraw format. Frenier pulled the fourth starting spot and didn’t waste time making it count.
“I had the lead by lap two and led the rest of the way,” he said. “The track caught some rain earlier and it was sticky — the kind of surface that’ll pull your shoes off if you walk across it. When it’s like that, I know how to get around this place.”
Despite the magnitude of the achievement, Frenier didn’t promote the milestone ahead of time.
“I didn’t mention it to many people because I don’t like to make things about me. And to be honest, it helped keep the pressure off,” he said. “We knew we were going to hit 100 sometime this year — we just didn’t know exactly when. It’s a relief to get it this early in the season. Now I can take a breath and enjoy this badge of honor.”
Jeremy Frenier celebrates with his family and friends in victory lane after his milestone 100th Friesen Performance IMCA Modified feature win on July 5 at I-76 Speedway. (Photo by Racing.NorColoPhoto.com)
A Lifetime in Racing
Frenier’s ties to I-76 Speedway go all the way back to infancy.
“My dad was the pit steward, and my mom sold tickets. I was six months old the first time I was at the track,” he said. “Almost every Saturday night growing up, I was there.”
Still, it wasn’t until age 15 that he got behind the wheel, when a friend offered him a shot in a winter enduro car. The first race was rough, but by the second, something clicked.
“I’d driven go-karts and four-wheelers, but never a real race car with a cage,” said Frenier. “The first race, I spent more time in the infield than on the track. But the second time out, I started to get the hang of it and realized I could do this.”
He climbed into some of the other local divisions soon after, then transitioned into Modifieds at the age of 18. But to truly evolve as a driver, Frenier knew he had to hit the road — even if it meant passing up the track just two miles from his front door.
“There were a few years where I didn’t race at I-76 at all,” he said. “Instead, I was hitting swings through Nebraska — McCook, North Platte, Lexington — or down through Kansas at places like Oberlin, Goodland, and Colby. The competition out there made me better. Getting your butt kicked teaches you. It makes you hungry and gives you that ‘refuse to lose’ mentality.”
He estimates that he has made nearly 1,000 career starts.
“That’s a lot of trips home with your tail between your legs, or nights lying awake thinking, ‘How do I make this thing faster?’” Frenier said. “But that’s what makes the wins feel so good — even the small ones. Winning at your local track in front of 200 fans still means the world, because you know what it took to get there.”
Jeremy Frenier races at WaKeeney Speedway earlier this season in his No. 17J Friesen Performance IMCA Modified. (Photo by Carl Larson – Photos by Red)
A Mentor and a Family Legacy
One of the biggest turning points in Frenier’s career came when he crossed paths with Speedway Motors IMCA legend David Murray Jr.
“When I started traveling east, David was the guy to beat — and I knew it right away,” Frenier said. “I latched on to him, asked a lot of questions, and he was always willing to help. He let me stay at his house between races in Kansas. He really took me under his wing.”
Over time, their relationship deepened beyond racing.
“His daughter Sarah was at the track a lot, and eventually we were both single,” Frenier said. “One thing led to another, and now we’ve been married for 12 years. We’ve got two great kids together.”
Murray, a four-time national champion and eight-time Jet Racing Central Region champion, ranks first all-time in IMCA Modified wins with over 550. Frenier learned not just from David’s driving, but from his attitude.
“David always went out of his way to help people, and I’ve tried to do the same,” he said. “If someone comes to me for advice, I shoot it to them straight. I tell them the truth and try to help. Because if someone’s struggling, they might stop enjoying it — and we lose a car from the pits. That’s not good for anybody.”
Over the past five seasons, Frenier has become a familiar face in the Sunoco IMCA Stock Car division as well. He’s found quick success, earning three Stock Car titles at I-76 alone — including last year — to go along with five Modified championships at the same track.
“I enjoy Stock Cars a lot,” he said. “The racing’s close and competitive. It’s not just about setup — it’s about keeping the car under you and driving smart.”
Altogether, Frenier has amassed a long list of accolades. He was the 2013 Jet Racing Central Region champion, 2012 Colorado State champion in Modifieds, 2009 BST Eastern Series champion, and has won multiple track titles at Oberlin and McCook, as well as a title at Phillips County Raceway.
Beyond the Track
For all the laps he’s turned, Frenier’s world still revolves around family.
“My daughter is 12 and my son is almost 8. They’re getting into sports, so I help coach baseball, basketball, even soccer,” he said. “I really enjoy it — and I think they like having me as their coach. We also fish and camp together when we can. But racing is still something we all love.”
Even his car number — 17 — has a personal story.
“That was my baseball number in high school, and I’ve always liked the looks of it,” said Frenier. “But it’s also a nod to Todd Helton — my favorite Colorado Rockies player. I was at the World Series in 2007 when the Rockies made their run. I’ll never forget that.”
When winter comes, he dreams of snowboarding again.
“I used to snowboard a lot, but my back gives me trouble now,” he said. “I haven’t taken my kids yet, but I want to. Winter Park and Copper Mountain are great spots — not as crowded as Aspen, Keystone, or Vail, but just as fun.”
And for those passing through Fort Morgan?
“You can’t go wrong with the Mexican food around here,” he said. “After you eat, check out the bowling alley or go catch a movie at the fourplex.”
A Community Effort
Frenier is quick to point out that no one reaches 100 wins alone.
“My parents helped me get started and have supported me all the way,” he said. “My wife and kids — Haylie is 11 now and Charlie is 7 — understand that racing takes time. They’ve always had my back. Jim, my crew guy, has been with me for 10 years. He’s the kind of guy who jumps in the hauler and never complains.”
He also gives a special nod to Liberty Firearms Institute and owners Wayne and Robin Schmeeckle, whose support has gone above and beyond over the years.
“They’ve helped me more than I ever asked,” Frenier said. “Liberty Firearms Institute is one of the nicest indoor shooting ranges in the country. It’s not just a range — they also sell firearms, ammo, and cool apparel. If you’re ever near I-25 and Highway 34 just outside of Loveland, you’ve got to check it out.”
He continues to appreciate longtime sponsors like BSB Manufacturing and Close Racing Supply for their enduring partnership.
“There are so many people to thank,” Frenier said. “Racing’s not a solo sport — it takes a team, every step of the way.”
