Freestate Raceway

[5] The owners hosted the Howard County Fair on the grounds in 1948 and 1949 which allowed an exception in post-war rationing of roofing materials that were restricted for agricultural uses only.

[6] The owners of Freestate decided to increase the purse money, the number of seats, and several other things to greatly improve the racetrack for the 1949 season.

[8] Before Freestates first meet under DeFrancis, he did a lot of work to track, including fixing up the grandstand, creating a driver's lounge, and promoting under the slogan "Where Fun Comes in First".

[11] After losing money for the first few years, DeFrancis persuaded the Maryland General Assembly to lower the tax on the track's handle.

[13] Starting in 1982, Freestate Raceway began to host the Potomac Stakes, Maryland's most successful race.

Harness racing