Stewart Friesen’s comeback journey is taking shape, even as he remains far from race-ready. After a brutal July crash in a Big Block Dirt Modified at Autodrome Drummond left him with multiple fractures, the veteran racer made his first NASCAR Truck Series appearance since the accident on Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Friesen’s presence, though aided by crutches, reflected his drive to return to competition while overseeing his team’s playoff run and planning for a challenging rehabilitation that could extend into next year.
Key Highlights
- Stewart Friesen returned to the NASCAR Truck Series paddock for the first time since a July crash left him with severe injuries.
- Injuries included a shattered pelvis, fractured right leg, fractured C7 vertebra, and fractured left hip requiring extensive hardware.
- Kaden Honeycutt now drives the No. 52 truck Friesen co-owns, keeping the team in the owners’ playoffs after Friesen forfeited his own spot.
- Friesen praised his team’s effort, including support from Bruce Cook Performance, to field two competitive trucks during the playoff stretch.
- His goal is a full recovery to race in the 2026 Daytona Truck Series opener, depending on nerve and leg function.
Friesen Faces Long Road Back
Friesen remains in the early stages of recovery and acknowledges the challenge ahead. Plates, screws, rods, and pins stabilize his injuries, and he still relies on crutches. Yet his spirits have lifted as he begins light movement.
“We’re getting there. It’s been a slow road. I have lost a lot of weight this last month and a half laying in bed so it feels good to start crutching around a little bit these last couple of days and to get back to the race track.” – Stewart Friesen
The 42-year-old hopes to return to his Modified car for the World Finals at Charlotte Motor Speedway in November, a goal that will require intense rehabilitation and nerve recovery.
Team Effort Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
While Friesen focuses on healing, his team remains active in the NASCAR Truck Series playoffs. Kaden Honeycutt now pilots the No. 52, advancing through the owners’ playoffs after parting ways with Niece Motorsports and aligning with TRICON Garage. Friesen relinquished his own playoff spot and a potential top-10 championship finish to avoid fines for missing playoff obligations.
“That was our first idea but we just decided it wouldn’t have been the best look for us to do that. Sometimes, you just have to accept your lumps and move on. This was one of those times.” – Stewart Friesen
The team also fields a second part-time truck through an alliance with Bruce Cook Performance for drivers like Cole Butcher and Wesley Slimp. Friesen credited Bruce Cook’s crew for bolstering their limited operation.
“This is a small group of guys to field two trucks so I want to thank Bruce and a couple of guys from his team that came over to work on our No. 62 because they’ve done a great job. The goal was to get Kaden into the next round, which we barely did by the skin of our teeth with the bad luck we had at Darlington, so we just need to keep getting better so it’s not so close next time. We’re always building a notebook, and expect to keep building better trucks, and keep moving forward.” – Stewart Friesen
Determined to Return
Despite months away from competition, Friesen’s passion for racing is undiminished.
“I thought all sorts of things when I was in bed, being away from the race track all this time, but being back here reminded me of how much I still do love this. It makes me want to be back out there racing all the other guys and working directly with our team.” – Stewart Friesen
He credited his wife, Jess, for stepping up in his absence.
“I’m really proud of Jess too because she has stepped up on the administration side. She’s had to take care of some of the work I haven’t been able to get to while taking care of me too. It’s a lot of work and it’s been a lot but we’re here and looking forward to what’s next.” – Stewart Friesen
Looking ahead, Friesen targets a return at the 2026 Daytona Truck Series opener, though the timeline depends on nerve recovery in his lower leg and foot.
“I hope so. That is our ultimate goal but it just depends on how my nerves react and if I can get some feeling back in the lower part of my leg and foot.” – Stewart Friesen
News in Brief: Stewart Friesen Returns to Paddock After Brutal July Crash
Stewart Friesen appeared at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for his first NASCAR Truck Series event since a July crash that caused multiple serious injuries, including a shattered pelvis and fractures to his leg, hip, and spine. He remains on crutches but is determined to race again, aiming for the 2026 Daytona Truck Series opener. In the meantime, Kaden Honeycutt drives the No. 52 truck Friesen co-owns, advancing in the owners’ playoffs with help from Bruce Cook Performance.
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