Kyle Larson reacts to Friesen crash after his friend Stewart Friesen suffered significant injuries in a fiery accident during a Super DIRTcar Series race in Quebec, Canada, on July 28. The wreck has prompted both concern from Larson and continued discussion within the NASCAR community about racing safety across various series.
During the Super DIRTcar Series event, Stewart Friesen, a 42-year-old Canadian driver, attempted to advance through the field when he lost control of his vehicle. His car climbed the outside retaining wall, overturned multiple times, and eventually landed upside down while catching fire. In the chaotic aftermath, Friesen’s vehicle was also struck several times by other racers who could not avoid the crash.
Despite the severity of the accident, Friesen managed to escape from the burning car with the assistance of a deputy sheriff, who worked quickly to extinguish the flames using a fire extinguisher. Emergency personnel transported Friesen to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fractured pelvis and a fractured right leg. He subsequently underwent two surgeries as medical staff began his treatment and recovery process.
Kyle Larson, renowned for his versatility across motorsports and his close friendship with Friesen, shared his thoughts about the crash and the toll it has taken on those close to the driver.
“It’s obviously devastating to see the crash and then see the results of the crash with the injuries and whatnot. Our thoughts and prayers definitely go out to Stewart, and hoping for a speedy recovery and something that hopefully wouldn’t alter his abilities in the race car when he does get healed back up,” Kyle Larson said via Steven Taranto on X.
Friesen, who had secured a spot in the NASCAR Truck Series playoffs prior to the incident, now faces the likelihood of missing the crucial rounds due to his injuries. His family, including his wife, has provided positive updates on his initial post-surgery recovery, which has brought some relief to fans and colleagues concerned about his well-being and future in racing.
NASCAR Community Responds to Concerns About Larson’s Dirt Racing Involvement
Larson’s broad participation in various motorsport formats has made him a subject of discussion, particularly after Friesen’s crash raised questions about dirt racing safety for top-tier NASCAR competitors. Some fans have wondered if Larson’s engagement in the dirt racing series will continue, or if Hendrick Motorsports, his Cup Series team, might reconsider his participation due to heightened safety concerns.
NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass recently addressed these questions after they were raised by fans, drawing on his extensive knowledge of the sport and driver preparation practices.
“I think attitudes have changed, especially with such little practice time. That the only time they get in a NASCAR car other than the race itself being 20-25 minutes gives some credence that being in any race car can be productive,” Bob Pockrass wrote via X.
While speculation continues regarding Larson’s future participation in dirt racing events, his immediate focus remains on the NASCAR Cup Series championship. As of now, Kyle Larson is ranked third in the standings for the 2026 season, trailing his Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Chase Elliott in his pursuit of the regular-season title.
The aftermath of Stewart Friesen’s crash has intensified ongoing conversations around motorsport safety across different racing platforms, particularly as competitors such as Larson balance multiple disciplines. With Friesen’s recovery underway and the impact of the crash resonating throughout the racing community, attention now turns to safety improvements and the support extended to drivers facing similar risks.
