In a heart-stopping moment that sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen has emerged from a harrowing dirt modified crash at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec, Canada, and is now on the road to recovery at home. The incident, which occurred during the Super DIRTcar Series’ King of the North race on July 28, 2025, left fans and fellow racers holding their breath as Friesen’s car flipped violently, caught fire, and was struck by another competitor. Yet, in a testament to his resilience and the advancements in racing safety, Friesen has been released from the hospital, sparking a wave of relief and support across the racing world.
The crash unfolded in dramatic fashion. Friesen, a 42-year-old veteran driver from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, was navigating a three-wide move down the backstretch when his No. 44 Big Block Modified veered out of the groove and slammed into the outside retaining wall. The impact launched the car into a series of violent flips, with flames erupting as it tumbled back onto the track. Before the car could come to a stop, it was struck again by an oncoming competitor, leaving the chassis exposed and the motorsport community stunned. Track safety officials and EMTs responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire and carefully extracting Friesen, who was alert and communicating despite the severity of the wreck.
Jessica Friesen, Stewart’s wife and a accomplished racer herself, provided a sobering update on social media the following morning. She revealed that Friesen had suffered an unstable open-book pelvic fracture, meaning his pelvis was broken in multiple places with a significant hematoma in the area, along with a fractured right leg. Both injuries required surgical intervention. “CT scans have come back clear of any head, neck or spine injuries,” Jessica wrote, offering a glimmer of hope amid the grim diagnosis. “Unfortunately, he is still in a tremendous amount of pain. His vitals are stable, and after receiving additional pain medication, he is in better spirits and resting.”
The motorsport community rallied around Friesen, with messages of support flooding in from fans, fellow drivers, and industry figures. Two-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion and FOX Sports NASCAR analyst Todd Bodine was among those shaken by the crash’s intensity. “Man, just saw Stewart Friesen’s dirt modified wreck. Holy cow that is the worst modified crashes I’ve seen. Hope Stewie is okay. Sending prayers,” Bodine posted on X, capturing the collective concern that gripped the racing world.
Friesen’s journey from the crash site to recovery was far from straightforward. Initially treated at a local hospital in Drummondville, Quebec, he was transferred to a larger facility for surgery. By July 31, he was moved to a level one trauma center in New York, where he underwent a successful multi-hour surgery to address both his pelvic and leg fractures. Jessica provided another update on August 1, expressing gratitude for the medical team’s efforts. “Stewart had a successful multi-hour surgery last night to address both his pelvis and compound leg fracture, which went very well,” she shared. “After the surgery, he got some great rest overnight and we feel like we are moving forward. My heart is so full having our family together today.”
The news of Friesen’s release from the hospital on August 6, just over a week after the crash, was met with an outpouring of joy and relief. Jessica shared the update with fans, noting, “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.” She extended thanks to the Albany Medical Center and its trauma team, as well as the racing community for their unwavering support. The statement resonated deeply with fans, many of whom expressed awe at Friesen’s rapid progress given the crash’s severity. “Given the violence of that wreck, it’s a miracle he’s already home,” one fan commented on X, echoing a sentiment shared widely across social media.
Friesen’s crash came at a pivotal moment in his 2025 season. The Canadian driver, who competes full-time for Halmar Friesen Racing, had secured a playoff spot in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with a dramatic victory at Michigan International Speedway on June 7, his fourth career win in 200 starts. However, the injuries have forced him to step away from the remainder of the season, marking his first missed Truck Series race since the fall of 2020. Cup Series driver Christopher Bell will pilot the No. 52 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota at Watkins Glen on August 8, with young talent Kaden Honeycutt set to take over for the rest of the season. Despite the setback, Friesen’s team remains eligible to compete for the owner’s championship, a silver lining in an otherwise challenging situation.
The crash also highlighted the inherent risks of dirt modified racing, a discipline Friesen has long excelled in. Just days before the incident, he celebrated his 52nd Super DIRTcar Series win at Weedsport Speedway in New York, underscoring his status as a Northeast modified racing kingpin. The accident at Autodrome Drummond was a stark reminder of the sport’s dangers, with recent incidents involving drivers like Tyler Courtney and Brad Sweet adding to the conversation about safety in dirt track racing. Jessica Friesen acknowledged the role of safety advancements in her husband’s survival, stating, “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.”
As Friesen begins his recovery at home in Sprakers, New York, the focus shifts to his rehabilitation and eventual return to the track. The physical therapy process will be critical, with Jessica noting that the family is already planning the next steps. For now, Friesen’s story is one of resilience and community support, a narrative that has struck a chord with fans on platforms like Facebook, where stories of perseverance and recovery often gain traction. The racing community continues to rally around him, with posts on X reflecting a mix of shock at the crash’s intensity and hope for his full recovery.
Friesen’s journey also serves as a reminder of the human element in motorsport. Behind the high-speed action and competitive spirit lies a tight-knit community that comes together in times of crisis. From the immediate response of track officials to the heartfelt messages from fans and peers, the support for Friesen has been overwhelming. As he embarks on the long road to recovery, the NASCAR and dirt racing worlds will be watching closely, rooting for the day when “Stewie” returns to the track, stronger than ever.
