Stewart Friesen has opened up on his hopes for a return to NASCAR after a dirt late model race crash kept him out of the Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs.
Friesen was competing in a Super DIRTcar Series race at Autodrome Drummond in Canada when his No. 44 car crashed into the retaining wall, causing the car to flip and barrel-roll over the barrier before bursting into flames. He underwent surgery after suffering fractures to his pelvis and right leg.
Friesen’s wife, Jessica, shared an update on social media at the time.
“As most of you know by now, Stewart was involved in a multi-car accident at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec, Canada last night. CT scans have come back clear of any head, neck, or spine injuries. Unfortunately, he is still in a tremendous amount of pain.
“Stewart has suffered an unstable/open-book pelvic fracture, meaning his pelvis is broken in two or more places, with a large hematoma on the area. Stewart also has a fractured right leg. Both of these injuries will require surgery. Stewart was transferred to a larger hospital this morning for these procedures.”
Although he has been replaced by Kaden Honeycutt for the remainder of the Craftsman Truck Series season, Friesen is aiming to race at Daytona in 2026.
“That’s the goal we set right away,” Friesen told FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass when asked about Daytona 2026. “You know, if I could get a little bit more mobility and range of motion back in this right foot, I’d like to be back, in at least a dirt car, maybe for World Finals.
“But I think that’s super wishful thinking and if my wife was here, she’d be punching me. But I can say that without her being here.
“So, that’s the goal. We’re going to work as hard as we can… It’s been something we couldn’t do by ourself. My wife has been awesome, Jess has been a superhero through all of this. And you know, we’re just going to work as hard as we can.”
The 42-year-old driver, who has accumulated four race wins, 91 top-10 finishes, and four pole positions in his 10-year Truck Series career so far, also admitted that retirement may be an option.
“That’s…that’s, yeah. That’s something that’s crossed my mind,” Friesen admitted. “But I don’t know yet. We’ll see how I feel in a month, two months, whatever. Try not to think about that too much.”