Stewart Friesen will welcome Dustin Dunn as his new crew chief as Halmar Friesen Racing prepares to field two trucks in the 2026 Truck Series, marking a significant crew chief change for Stewart Friesen. Jimmy Villeneuve, Friesen’s former crew chief who helped guide the team to victory in Michigan last season, transitions to lead the efforts for the No. 62 entry amid the team’s expansion plans.
Strategic Leadership Shifts at Halmar Friesen Racing
Halmar Friesen Racing has confirmed its intention to compete with two trucks in the upcoming 2026 Truck Series season. Dustin Dunn, who previously worked alongside Jimmy Villeneuve within the team, will now step into the key role of crew chief for Stewart Friesen’s No. 52 truck. Villeneuve, a pivotal figure in the team’s recent success, notably continued working with Kaden Honey after Friesen suffered a season-ending injury, ultimately guiding Honey to a third-place finish in the championship.
The organization views these changes as part of a broader strategy for growth and stability as they move into full-time two-truck operations. Stewart Friesen emphasized the importance of this evolution for the team, stating,
“Continuity, growth, and a strong foundation for 2026. Our crew chief lineup is set as we expand to a full-time two-truck operation.”
– Stewart Friesen, Driver
Dustin Dunn Steps Up After Years of Collaboration
Dustin Dunn’s promotion to crew chief comes after years of working alongside both Friesen and Villeneuve at Halmar Friesen Racing. The team credits the strong working relationship between Friesen and Dunn as a critical element in this transition. Friesen elaborated on this partnership in the official team announcement, saying,
“Dustin and I have built a great relationship over the past few years…Having Dustin in my ear during the race allows Jimmy to focus on the continued development of the No. 62 team, and it’s a big step forward for our entire organization,” he said.
– Stewart Friesen, Driver
The upcoming season will see Friesen return to active competition, with a rotation of teammates in the No. 62 machine. John Hunter Nemechek is set to make his first start for the team at the Daytona International Speedway, bringing additional experience from his role with Legacy Motor Club in the Cup Series, where he pilots the No. 42 Toyota.
Friesen’s Challenging Recovery and Return to Racing
Stewart Friesen’s new chapter follows his recovery from a severe injury sustained last season in a dirt racing crash at Autodrome Drummond, Drummondville, Quebec. The accident, which involved his car flipping and catching fire, led to a compound leg fracture and a period of lengthy rehabilitation. Friesen, reflecting on his journey to recovery in a conversation with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass, offered a candid update on his condition:
“No marathons yet and no ballet in my future. But yeah, I’m good enough to do what I need to do in a car.”
– Stewart Friesen, Driver
“It was a long time on crutches and then transition to a cane for a couple of weeks. But I started leaving that around the house and losing it places. So I said, okay, screw that, I just got to kind of push through it and keep building muscle and still have some ways to go, but I’m feeling really good,” he added.
– Stewart Friesen, Driver
Before the crash, Friesen had emerged as a frontrunner by setting the fastest qualifying time and securing a heat race win. Now physically fit after testing his dirt modified car, he is slated to return for the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway, highlighting his determination and resilience.
Outlook for the 2026 Truck Series Season
Halmar Friesen Racing’s shift to a two-truck team and the Stewart Friesen crew chief change signal a new era of ambition for the organization. With Villeneuve’s move to develop the No. 62 squad and Dunn’s ascension to crew chief of the No. 52, the team aims to leverage both continuity and fresh energy. The collaboration between Stewart Friesen, Dustin Dunn, and the wider HFR staff is expected to enhance the organization’s competitiveness and adaptability as the championship unfolds in 2026.
Looking ahead, Friesen’s successful recovery and return, combined with a robust crew chief structure, will be closely watched by fans and industry observers eager to see if these calculated changes lead to more victories in the coming season.
Continuity, growth, and a strong foundation for 2026.
Our crew chief lineup is set as we expand to a full time two truck operation.
Release: https://t.co/ufgmD80TFM pic.twitter.com/lnl2DgtAyf
— Stewart Friesen (@StewartFriesen) January 30, 2026
