Stewart Friesen, a driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, sustained serious injuries during a dirt modified race Monday evening. The accident occurred at Autodrome Drummond in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada, where Friesen’s car flipped multiple times after losing control on the track, resulting in fractures to his pelvis and right leg that require surgery.
Details of the crash and immediate medical response
Friesen’s No. 44 car lost traction after jumping the cushion on the backstretch, causing it to tip onto its right side and collide with the retaining wall. The vehicle then barrel-rolled over the barrier repeatedly before catching fire. Just as the car nearly settled on its roof, it was struck by another competitor who could not avoid the wreckage. Despite the severity of the crash, Friesen remained alert and communicated with officials and EMT personnel on site. Safety officials assisted in extricating him from the vehicle before he was transported to a nearby hospital for further care.
Support from family and race officials following the crash
Jessica Friesen, Stewart’s wife, expressed gratitude toward the manufacturers who enhance dirt modified safety and commended the track crew’s efforts to safely remove him from the vehicle. She shared her appreciation on social media the day after the incident, highlighting the teamwork involved in the emergency response.
“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
Friesen’s recent racing achievements before the accident
Before the crash at Autodrome Drummond, Friesen had demonstrated strong performance, securing his 52nd Super DIRTcar Series victory just days earlier at Weedsport Speedway in New York. He had also posted the fastest qualifying time and won his heat race at the Canadian track, where he was slated to compete again the following day.
Background on Stewart Friesen’s NASCAR career
Friesen has been an active competitor in the Craftsman Truck Series since 2016 and has run full schedules from 2018 onward. He holds four NASCAR victories, including a key win at Michigan International Speedway on June 7, which, at the time, provisionally qualified him for the Truck Series Playoffs. Most recently, in his 200th Truck Series start, Friesen initially finished third at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park but was disqualified after post-race inspection found violations regarding the minimum front height of his Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota. The team is currently appealing the penalty.
Looking ahead after Friesen’s crash and surgery
Friesen’s injuries and the required surgery mark a significant setback during a competitive racing season. His status going forward will depend on his recovery, surgical outcomes, and rehabilitation. The motorsports community remains attentive to updates surrounding his health and return to racing. Further information on his condition and progress is expected as his treatment continues.