Freddy Pitner holds one of his many racing trophies. (The Herald/ Joe King)

When most people think about celebrities from Sevier County, Dolly Parton is the name that is usually brought up, but this former Sevierville High School classmate of the iconic country signer has been garnering some fame of his own.

A member of SHS class of 1961, Freddy Pitner is actually pictured on the same page of the yearbook as Parton. Although that fact only creates a star-struck perception with some, Pitner, 67, has been making his mark by driving racecars and winning numerous trophies for his efforts.

“Most people recognize number three as Earnhardt’s, but I hade that number in 1979,” Pitner said.

Recalling the start of his racing career, Pitner said he began running the Chicago vintage racetrack circuit in 1974.

... read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.