Stewart Friesen has announced plans to make his full-time return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, beginning with the highly anticipated season opener at Daytona International Speedway. The Stewart Friesen Truck Series return follows his absence in the last nine races of 2025 as he recovered from serious injuries sustained during a racing accident.
Details of the Crash and Determined Rehabilitation
The seasoned 42-year-old driver from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, suffered an open-book pelvis fracture and a broken right leg last July while taking part in a Super DIRTcar Series race at Autodrome Drummond, located in Drummondville, Quebec. Friesen has worked steadily since then on his rehabilitation, sharing updates that reflect both his progress and his commitment to returning to peak form. When asked about his recovery, Friesen explained,
“The last month I’ve been making some leaps and bounds; no more crutches, no more canes, I’m walking pretty normal and trying to work out as much as I can, still doing a lot of physical therapy and anticipating a return at Daytona in just over a month.”
— Stewart Friesen, Driver
A Look Back at Recent Seasons and the Team’s Progress
Friesen, a four-time winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, last tasted victory at Michigan International Speedway, a performance that would have secured his playoff position if not for the injury. During Friesen’s absence, Kaden Honeycutt filled the seat of the No. 52 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and ultimately led the team into a spot among the Championship 4, showcasing the squad’s resilience and competitive spirit.
Preparations Intensify with Sim Training and Upcoming Races
As the season’s start draws near, Friesen continues to increase his training intensity, participating in simulator sessions to regain his competitive edge. He shared,
“I’ve done some sim over at [Toyota Racing Development] in Salisbury a few times, had another session yesterday morning that went really well, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into action and getting back to normal and getting rolling here to start the season.”
— Stewart Friesen, Driver
Continuing a Full Racing Slate Amid New Team Expansion
Despite the challenges and his lengthy recovery, Friesen’s calendar for the upcoming year will remain packed, with plans to contest both his NASCAR Truck Series schedule and a significant dirt racing program. However, changes within his team may slightly reduce his participation in supporting events. Halmar Friesen Racing, which fields the No. 52 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, is expanding to a two-truck operation, with the No. 62 running full-time. Friesen explained,
“First and foremost is the Truck [Series] schedule,”
and added,
“Our Halmar Friesen Racing team has expanded with Toyota into a two full-time truck team. Running the No. 62 full-time is something that we’re excited about, and that’s going to take a little bit more of my time, working with the drivers and sponsors to get that deal going, and that might affect the dirt modified schedule a little bit. We’ve been pretty aggressive the last couple of years, and had 50-to-60 dirt racing on the schedule, in addition to the Truck Series, so we might scale a little bit back.”
— Stewart Friesen, Driver
Looking Ahead: Races Before Daytona and Further Involvement
Before the official green flag for the Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, Friesen intends to enter multiple Dirt Modified events, including competitions at Volusia Speedway as part of Speedweeks. There remains the possibility that he will also join the organizational test for NASCAR teams at Rockingham at month’s end. These early-season activities are integral to his full return, allowing him both to re-establish race rhythm and reconnect with fans and sponsors.
Significance of Friesen’s Return and Team Growth
Stewart Friesen’s return not only marks a personal comeback after a challenging rehabilitation but also comes at a time of notable growth for Halmar Friesen Racing as they field two full-time trucks for the first time. The expanded operation, strengthened by renewed collaboration with Toyota and the leadership of Friesen, positions the team as a formidable presence in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. With the combination of Friesen’s experience, a reinforced team structure, and his ongoing commitment to both dirt and pavement racing, the upcoming season promises to be a compelling chapter for both Friesen and his supporters.
