Stewart Friesen, a NASCAR Truck Series driver, has been released from the hospital nine days after a severe crash at a Super DIRTCar Series event in Canada. His wife, Jess Friesen, announced the update on social media and shared that Stewart is preparing to start physical therapy as part of his recovery process.
We are thrilled to be reunited at home, as Stewart has been released from the hospital,
Jess said.
It has been a long 9 days for our family.
Stewart continues to be in pain as he recovers, but we are very happy to have him at home to recoup before we start the physical therapy process.
We are thankful to the team at Albany Medical Center, especially the trauma team, for their incredible work. The procedures to reconstruct his shattered pelvis and his right leg tibia and fibula went smoothly. He has some extra plates, screws, rods and pins as well as a fractured CT and fractured left hip, but we are thankful to finally (be) on the other side of these injuries and on the road to recovery!
Kaden Honeycutt Named as Friesen’s Replacement for Remainder of Season
Jess Friesen also noted that they will continue sharing updates as Stewart progresses through his recovery. Meanwhile, Halmar Friesen Racing confirmed that Kaden Honeycutt has been chosen to drive the No. 52 Toyota truck for the last eight races of the Truck Series season, as Stewart will not be returning to competition this year.
While I continue to recover, it was important for us to put someone in our truck that can help us compete at the highest level,
Stewart said in a team statement.
I know Kaden will deliver a strong performance in our truck and allow us to continue to run for the owner’s championship.
Friesen’s Truck Series Performance and Outlook
Stewart Friesen secured a spot in the NASCAR Truck Series playoffs after winning the Michigan race in June. Over the course of his career, he has started in 200 Truck Series races and earned four victories. Friesen’s experience also includes one Cup Series event, the 2021 Bristol Dirt Race, where he finished 23rd. His absence leaves a gap in the lineup, but the team remains optimistic about contending for the owner’s championship with Honeycutt behind the wheel.
Recovery Journey and Future Prospects
Stewart Friesen faces a challenging road ahead with significant injuries, including a shattered pelvis, fractured leg bones, and other complications requiring surgical hardware support. His transition to physical therapy marks a crucial step toward regaining strength and mobility. Support from his family, medical team, and racing organization underscores the determination to see him back at the track once fully healed.
As Friesen focuses on rehabilitation, the team’s strategic decision to race Kaden Honeycutt helps maintain competitive momentum in the Truck Series. Fans and the racing community alike anticipate updates on Stewart’s progress, hoping for a strong comeback in the seasons to come.