This Friday night at Richmond International Raceway, Kaden Honeycutt will make his third career start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Honeycutt Richmond event, driving for a third different team in as many races. Currently ninth in the Playoff standings, Honeycutt will pilot the No. 52 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing (HFR) at Richmond for the first time, seeking to secure his spot for the postseason.
Just three races ago, Honeycutt was the full-time driver of the No. 45 Chevrolet fielded by Niece Motorsports. After driving a one-off race last week at Watkins Glen for Young’s Motorsports in their No. 02 Chevrolet, Honeycutt heads into Richmond under new circumstances following an abrupt team change earlier in the season.
Changing Teams After Parting Ways with Niece Motorsports
Honeycutt’s recent team shifts stemmed from his decision to sign with a new team, believed to be Tricon Garage in their No. 11 Toyota, shortly after the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park race. Upon notifying Niece Motorsports of his new contract, both parties mutually agreed to part ways immediately, leaving Honeycutt without a ride temporarily.
The arrangement with Young’s Motorsports was quickly arranged to prevent Honeycutt from missing any races and to ensure he continued earning crucial points toward Playoff eligibility. With Richmond marking the end of the regular season, only the top ten drivers in points will advance to the Playoffs, making this race critical for Honeycutt’s championship hopes.
This Friday night at Richmond International Raceway, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Kaden Honeycutt will make his third start for a third different team in as many races.
Halmar Friesen Racing’s Injury Opens Opportunity for Honeycutt
Halmar Friesen secured a Playoff berth with his first victory of the season at Michigan International Speedway in June, marking his first win since 2022. However, his promising season took a severe hit after a serious accident on July 28 during a race in Quebec, Canada. Friesen sustained a fractured pelvis and two broken bones in his right leg, requiring surgery and a significant rehabilitation period.
Due to these injuries, Friesen was forced to relinquish the No. 52 HFR truck for the remainder of the 2025 season. On August 5, Honeycutt, a 2024 Car Tour Pro Late Model Champion and Snowball Derby winner, was announced as Friesen’s replacement. His existing position in the top ten Playoff standings made him an excellent candidate to maintain competitive momentum for the team.
Honeycutt Aims to Build Momentum and Compete for the Title
The decision to place Honeycutt behind the wheel was supported by Friesen, who emphasized the importance of consistent high-level performance while he continues his recovery. The team is focused on competing strongly for the owner’s championship despite Friesen’s absence.
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,
Friesen said.
I know Kaden will deliver strong performance in our truck and allow us to continue to run for the owner’s championship.
—Halmar Friesen, Team Owner
Honeycutt himself acknowledged the honor and responsibility of filling in for Friesen, expressing both gratitude and determination to deliver results in a competitive vehicle capable of winning races.
It’s an honor to be able to fill in for Stewart for the rest of the season and help give his team a chance at the owner’s championship, which they earned,
Honeycutt said.
I’m excited to compete in contending, race-winning equipment as I pursue a title this season.
We are going to work hard to have a solid final eight races of the season and continue to deliver great results for Stewart, his family and this organization.
—Kaden Honeycutt, Driver
What’s Next for Honeycutt and the Playoffs
Although Honeycutt’s official status among the top ten Playoff drivers is still under review through a waiver process, he is focused on securing enough points to advance and compete for the NASCAR Truck Series championship. Richmond’s race will serve as the series’ last chance in the regular season to solidify his position before the Playoffs begin.
With this opportunity to drive for Halmar Friesen Racing, Honeycutt is poised to make an immediate impact, leveraging his past successes and determination in pursuit of a title. The final stretch of the season will test his ability to adapt quickly to new equipment and maintain consistency against the strongest competition.