Halmar Friesen Racing (HFR), the team anchored by Stewart Friesen in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, has announced major changes to its Stewart Friesen NASCAR crew chief lineup for the 2026 season. As the organization shifts to a full-time two-truck program, the team unveiled new roles for key personnel, including the appointment of Dustin Dunn as crew chief for the No. 52 entry and Jimmy Villeneuve taking charge of the No. 62 truck.
Halmar Friesen Racing Restructures Leadership for 2026
HFR’s move to operate two full-time trucks marks a significant step forward for the organization. Stewart Friesen, who will continue to drive the No. 52 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, emphasized the importance of this transition in his announcement. The team will now rely on Dustin Dunn, an established technical expert within HFR, to lead Friesen’s crew as the 2026 campaign begins.
Friesen signaled his enthusiasm for the new chapter, 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 as No. 52 Crew Chief
Dunn’s elevation follows two successful seasons serving as a race engineer, where he played a pivotal role in nurturing the performance of the No. 62 squad. His technical insight and collaborative spirit have left a noticeable mark within the team, as highlighted by Jimmy Villeneuve, who transitions from Friesen’s crew to the No. 62 program for 2026.
Villeneuve praised Dunn’s capabilities, remarking,
“I speak for everyone at HFR when I say how excited we are to see Dustin step into this role. Dustin Dunn has been by my side and he has been a huge contributing factor in the success of HFR. I’m very excited to see the great things that Dustin and Stewart will achieve in 2026 and beyond.”
– Jimmy Villeneuve, Former No. 52 Crew Chief
Dunn also expressed gratitude for his new position, saying,
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Chris Larsen, Stewart Friesen, and everyone at Halmar Friesen Racing have given me to step into the role of crew chief for the No. 52 truck beginning in 2026.”
– Dustin Dunn, Incoming No. 52 Crew Chief
Villeneuve’s New Path and Return Plans for Friesen
With Villeneuve assuming the crew chief duties for HFR’s No. 62 entry, the team aims to leverage his experience to strengthen both operations. The adjustments are designed to benefit not only Friesen’s championship aspirations but also ensure the overall growth of the team as HFR targets success with its expanded lineup.
The 2026 season will open with the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway, a marquee event that marks Friesen’s comeback in the No. 52 truck. Fans can catch the action live on FS1 at 8 pm ET or tune in for radio coverage on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Friesen’s Road to Recovery After Quebec Crash
Before preparing for this pivotal season, Friesen faced significant adversity. In July 2025, during a DIRTcar Series event at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec, Canada, Friesen suffered a serious crash. His No. 44 car lost control, struck the outer barrier, overturned multiple times, and caught fire. Thankfully, despite sustaining a fractured pelvis and right leg, Friesen avoided life-threatening injuries.
His wife Jessica expressed gratitude for the quick response and safety improvements:
“Thank you to the manufacturers who have made dirt modifieds as safe as possible, and to the track crew for their patience and hard work getting Stew out of the car.”
– Jessica, Friesen’s Wife
During Friesen’s recovery, Kaden Honeycutt filled in as the driver of the No. 52 truck for the remaining races of the season. With his recovery complete, Friesen will return behind the wheel at Daytona for the season opener.
What the Changes Mean for HFR and NASCAR
The crew chief overhaul and expansion of Halmar Friesen Racing represent a new era for the team. With Friesen’s determination to rebound after injury, Dunn’s engineering leadership, and Villeneuve’s seasoned expertise guiding the second entry, HFR aims to contend strongly in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The upcoming season’s success could serve as a turning point, solidifying HFR’s standing among elite teams and offering fans a team driven by growth, resilience, and an eye toward the future.
