A Life Built Around Cars and Community
- Courtney Lauren
- Mar 30
- 5 min read
Behind the Wheel with Chris Smith: A Conversation About Cars, Passion, and Freedom Supercars
When you think of Freedom Supercars, the image of roaring engines, sleek exotics, and an exclusive community of automotive enthusiasts probably comes to mind. But behind the scenes, the heart of the club is driven by its people. Today, we sit down with Chris Smith, Partner at Freedom Supercars, to get to know the man behind the horsepower. From childhood memories to wild road trips, Chris shares his journey and passion for all things automotive.
Q: When did your love for cars begin?
Chris: From an incredibly young age. I remember stopping to take pictures of any nice car I saw—it was like a personal treasure hunt. Video games like Need for Speed and Project Gotham Racing only fueled the obsession further. And of course, Fast and the Furious—as over-the-top as it was—played a huge role in shaping my interest in the car scene. But one of my most vivid early memories was when my dad took me to my first IndyCar race in Downtown Houston. The sights, the sounds, the sheer speed—it was unforgettable and solidified my passion for motorsports.
Q: What was your first experience driving?
Chris: My earliest memory of driving was as a little kid, sitting on my dad’s lap while he controlled the pedals and I steered. It felt like the most exciting thing in the world at the time. Later on, I got my first real taste of driving stick when I was handed the keys to an old Ford ranch truck at my uncle’s property. Learning to shift gears on that thing was an adventure in itself, but it was the perfect introduction to real driving.
Q: What was your first car?
Chris: I was lucky enough to be surprised with a 2007 Ford Mustang GT 5.0. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. I went all in on modifying it—upgrading the speakers, adding a subwoofer, installing a new screen, and even a push-to-start system before that was really a thing. I didn’t stop there, new exhaust, body kits, wheels, tires, LED lights—you name it, I probably did it. Looking back, that Mustang was a true reflection of my growing obsession with cars.
Q: Have you always stuck with sports cars?
Chris: Actually, no. After my Mustang, I went through four different Jeep Wranglers over the years. They fit my lifestyle well, and each one had its own personality thanks to custom modifications. My last Wrangler, though, was something special - it had about 500 horsepower, sounded absolutely wild with its V8 engine, and was an absolute blast to drive.
Q: What’s one of the crazier vehicles you’ve owned?
Chris: If we’re talking four wheels, I have to say the Can-Am Maverick XRC. It’s a side-by-side off-road machine that can hit around 90 mph on dirt, climb cliffs, and take jumps like it was built for it, because it was. It’s one of those vehicles that makes you laugh out loud every time you drive it because it’s just that ridiculous and fun.
Q: What’s been your favorite road trip?
Chris: That’s a tough one—I have two that really stand out.
The first was a 700-mile road trip through Oregon in a 4x4. Driving through Bend, past the Redwoods, and along the coastline—it was an incredible way to take in some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
The second was our European Supercar Tour, where I got behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and drove across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and into France. About 1,500 miles of some of the world’s most breathtaking roads, pushing the car on the Autobahn and winding through the Alps—it was an unforgettable experience.
Q: What are some of your top memories in the automotive world?
Chris: There are a few that really stand out:
Attending my first Monaco Grand Prix. It’s something you can’t truly understand until you experience it—the history, the atmosphere, the raw passion for motorsport.
Working with Red Bull at the first U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. Since there was no internet running through pit lane, I had to physically run printed lap times to the teams and deliver time sheets during qualifying and the race. And… I may have snuck onto the roof for an incredible view of the Grand Prix finale.
Giving back through automotive. Since we started Freedom Supercars, we’ve raised over $100,000 for various charities. Cars are incredible, but being able to use them to make a positive impact is what really matters.
Q: How long have you been with Freedom Supercars?
Chris: Since day one. I remember personally delivering our information pamphlets to potential members when we were just getting started. It’s been an incredible ride ever since.
Q: What’s the best part of being a part of Freedom Supercars?
Chris: The supercars, obviously they’re amazing, and I’ve probably driven over 300 different ones at this point. I’m up there with people like Jay Leno who have had the chance to experience nearly every exotic car out there.
But beyond that and more importantly - the community is what makes it special. I’ve met some of the most incredible people, successful, inspiring individuals from all walks of life and built lasting friendships. That’s what really makes Freedom Supercars more than just a club.
Rapid Fire Round
Classic or modern supercars? Modern.
Manual or paddle shifters? Controversial, but paddle shifters.
Ferrari or Lamborghini? Ferrari—because of Lewis Hamilton.
Highway or back roads? Back roads.
Turbo or naturally aspirated? Naturally aspirated.
Coupe or convertible? Coupe.
AWD or RWD? RWD.
More power or more cylinders? More cylinders.
Q: What’s your dream car?
Chris: I don’t have one. The dream isn’t about being confined to a single car—it’s about experiencing the next one. That’s the thrill of it.
Chris Smith’s passion for cars goes far beyond the horsepower and performance. It’s about the journey, the experiences, and the people he’s met along the way. And at Freedom Supercars, that passion is shared with every member, making it more than just a club....it’s a lifestyle.
Off the record, Chris had one final thought to share.
"People look at our industry and may misinterpret people showing off their money. I could not think of something further from the truth. Since I was a kid, I have loved anything with wheels and an engine. It is who I am and what I do. Some of my best memories revolve around cars, but not because of the machines themselves. It is about the moments they have created. Go-karting as a kid, rigging canoes on a truck for an adventure, pulling a ski rope behind my Jeep to snowboard, camping in a Jeep during COVID, exploring off-road on my honeymoon, taking road trips with friends, driving my sister away after her wedding, attending car shows with clients, or even getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in France. The automotive world is vast, but if there is one thing I have learned, it is that it is never really about the cars. They are just the medium. What matters is the people you share these experiences with. That is why we started Freedom Supercars. Not just to drive, but to create opportunities for others to make unforgettable memories with their families, their kids, their friends… memories that will last a lifetime."
For those considering membership, there's never been a better time to join our dynamic and welcoming community. We invite you to become part of the Freedom Supercars family, where every day offers somethingnew and exciting. If you're a car enthusiast who loves the thrill of driving high-end cars, there's no better way to do it than with a supercar subscription. It's cost-effective, offers variety, no depreciation, and hassle-free ownership. Plus we have tons of events like this one, that bring our members together to form a tight community of like minded individuals.
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