On August 16, 2025, Stewart Friesen, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver, discussed his choice to skip the playoff waiver during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 interview. This decision follows a severe crash in Quebec at the Big Block Modified race last month, which left Friesen recovering from significant injuries and unable to compete in several events.
After the crash, Friesen missed a key portion of the Mission 176 race at Watkins Glen. Halmar Friesen Racing later confirmed that he would not pursue a medical waiver to maintain his playoffs eligibility, prompting fans to question the reasoning behind this move. Friesen addressed these queries during his radio conversation, emphasizing his focus on healing over competition.
“So right now I’m just focused on, you know, getting my body back to, you know, to kind of give me that option. and, you know, not, not thinking super long term. There’s a lot of doctor’s appointments and follow-ups.” —Stewart Friesen, NASCAR Driver
“A lot went into it, as far as, you know, beginning with a timeline on, you know, how my recovery was going to go. I think we started talking about waiver stuff, just to kind of give us ourselves a security net in case. You know, I was able to get back in sooner than expected. But obviously that’s not going to work out,” —Stewart Friesen, NASCAR Driver
He further elaborated on the decision, highlighting respect for the playoff system’s fairness.
“So, you know, we kind of felt for the integrity of the series and the playoffs. You know, we just kind of withdraw that or not submit that waiver and, you know, let the cards fall where they may. And you know, it opens it up for somebody else to get into the top 10 and make a race out of it.” —Stewart Friesen, NASCAR Driver
Injury Details and Current Recovery Status
Following the accident where Friesen sustained pelvic and leg fractures, he was initially cared for at a local medical facility before being moved to Albany Medical Center in New York. Doctors performed surgeries to address fractures in his pelvis, right tibia, and fibula, as well as additional injuries.
The operations were successful, and Friesen was discharged from the hospital to recover at home among family support. His wife, Jessica Friesen, provided an update on his condition, sharing details about the extent of his injuries and their gratitude for his progress.
“He has some extra plates, screws, rods, and pins as well as a fractured C7 and fractured left hip, but we are thankful to finally be on the other side of these injuries and on the road to recovery.” —Jessica Friesen, Stewart Friesen’s Wife
Season Performance and Team Plans During Friesen’s Absence
Stewart Friesen had secured his playoff spot after winning at Michigan International Speedway on June 7, 2025. Despite his inability to compete in the postseason, his #52 Toyota remains eligible for the owners‘ championship. During the playoffs, Halmar Friesen Racing will have Kaden Honeycutt drive in Friesen’s place.
Before the crash, Friesen stood 14th in the Truck Series points with 397 points, including a single victory at Michigan, six top-ten finishes, and three top-five finishes across 16 starts. His season also includes three Did Not Finishes (DNFs) and an average finishing position of 16th.
Implications of Friesen’s Choice and Outlook for the Future
By opting not to submit a medical waiver, Stewart Friesen prioritized his health and respected the integrity of the NASCAR playoffs, allowing other drivers the opportunity to compete for a top-10 position. This approach underscores the physical demands of racing and the importance of recovery in the sport.
As Friesen focuses on regaining full health with the support of his family and medical team, Halmar Friesen Racing prepares for the playoffs with new driver Kaden Honeycutt behind the wheel. Fans and the team alike await Friesen’s eventual return to competition once he has sufficiently recovered, marking the next chapter in his career.