The NASCAR world was shaken on July 28, 2025, when veteran Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen suffered a catastrophic crash during a Super DIRTcar Series race at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec, Canada. The incident, which saw Friesen’s No. 44 car flip multiple times, burst into flames, and collide with another vehicle, left fans and the racing community in a state of shock. Now, as Friesen faces a long and challenging recovery, his wife, Jessica Friesen, has shared heartfelt updates, called on fans for support, and issued a critical statement about fundraising efforts, sparking a wave of solidarity across the motorsport world.
The crash occurred during a three-wide battle for position in the feature event. Friesen, running fourth, attempted an outside sweep entering Turn 3 when his car jumped the cushion, slamming into the ARMCO barrier. The impact launched the vehicle into a series of violent rolls, with flames erupting as it landed back on the track. Another competitor, unable to avoid the wreckage, struck Friesen’s car, amplifying the damage. Safety crews worked swiftly, extracting Friesen within 30 minutes while he remained alert and responsive. He was immediately transported to a local hospital in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, for evaluation.
Jessica Friesen, a talented racer herself, took to social media to provide the first update on her husband’s condition. She revealed the extent of his injuries: an unstable open-book pelvic fracture, meaning the pelvis was broken in multiple places, accompanied by a significant hematoma, and a fractured right leg. Both injuries require complex surgeries. Despite the severity, Jessica shared a glimmer of hope, noting that CT scans confirmed no head, neck, or spine injuries. “Stewart is in a tremendous amount of pain,” she wrote, “but we are grateful he’s stable and receiving care.”
By July 30, Friesen was transferred to a Level One trauma center in New York, a move Jessica described as critical for addressing the complexity of his injuries. “Stewart has successfully made it back to the United States and has been admitted to a place with the experience necessary to complete all of the surgeries he needs,” she shared. The update underscored the gravity of the situation but also highlighted the family’s resilience and gratitude for the medical teams in both Quebec and New York.
On August 1, Jessica provided a heartening update that lifted the spirits of fans worldwide. She confirmed that Friesen underwent a successful multi-hour surgery to address both his pelvis and leg fractures. “The surgery went very well,” she wrote. “Stewart got some great rest overnight, and we feel like we are moving forward.” The update also outlined the next steps, including meetings with physical therapists to plan his recovery. Jessica’s words painted a picture of cautious optimism, emphasizing the strength of the racing community. “The outpouring of support from all of our racing family has been overwhelming in the best way,” she said, thanking fans, medical staff, and fellow racers who have rallied around them.
In a poignant move, Jessica also addressed how fans can support Friesen during this challenging time. Rather than setting up a GoFundMe or charity account, she encouraged supporters to visit Onezeetees.com to purchase racing shirts or collectibles. “In respecting Stewart’s wishes, we would love for you to visit Onezeetees.com and purchase your favorite racing shirt or collectible,” she said. “I know that Stewart would want you to have something in return for supporting our family in this time.” This approach reflects Friesen’s character—humble, grounded, and deeply connected to his fans. Jessica also issued a stern warning about fraudulent fundraising efforts. “If you see a GoFundMe or any other charity account, please know that unless it comes from us, it is not official and not supporting Stewart’s care,” she cautioned, protecting fans from potential scams.
Friesen, a 42-year-old Canadian driver, has been a mainstay in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since 2017, piloting the No. 52 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing, a team he co-owns. His journey in motorsports is one of grit and perseverance, from his roots in grassroots dirt racing in Ontario and Western New York to national prominence. His victory at Michigan International Speedway on June 7, 2025, ended a 72-race winless streak and secured his spot in the 2025 Truck Series playoffs. The win was a testament to his tenacity, as he led only the final two laps in a chaotic overtime finish. However, his recent disqualification from a third-place finish at the TSport 200 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, due to a post-race inspection failure, added to the challenges he faced before the crash.
The racing community’s response to Friesen’s accident has been nothing short of extraordinary. Social media posts from fans and fellow drivers have flooded platforms like X, with messages of prayers and encouragement. “Keep Stewart in your prayers,” wrote user @SturnioloLisa, echoing the sentiment of many. The incident has also sparked discussions about the risks of dirt track racing, even for seasoned drivers like Friesen, who has competed in both NASCAR and Super DIRTcar Series events. His five victories in the 2025 Super DIRTcar Series, including a milestone 50th career win, highlight his versatility and skill across different racing disciplines.
As Friesen begins his recovery, questions loom about his return to the track. With two races remaining in the Truck Series regular season before the playoffs start on August 30 at Darlington Speedway, his absence leaves Halmar Friesen Racing in a precarious position. Speculation about substitute drivers has surfaced, but no official announcements have been made. Some fans wonder if Friesen’s earlier comments about contemplating a step back from racing, following multiple violent crashes, might influence his future. Yet, his resilience and the support of his team, family, and fans suggest he’s far from finished.
Jessica’s updates have not only kept fans informed but also fostered a sense of unity in the racing world. Her gratitude for the medical teams, from the initial care in Quebec to the specialized treatment in New York, underscores the critical role of swift and expert medical intervention. “We need to thank everyone at the hospital here in New York for their efforts,” she wrote, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind Friesen’s progress.
For now, Friesen’s focus is on healing, with physical therapy and a long rehabilitation process ahead. The racing community, known for its tight-knit bonds, continues to rally around one of its own. Fans are heeding Jessica’s call, visiting Onezeetees.com to show their support while steering clear of unofficial fundraising schemes. The road to recovery will be arduous, but if anyone can navigate it, it’s Stewart Friesen—a driver whose career is defined by overcoming obstacles and seizing victories against the odds.
As the NASCAR world holds its breath, Friesen’s story is a reminder of the sport’s highs and lows, the courage it demands, and the community it builds. His journey back to the track will undoubtedly be one to watch, fueled by the same determination that has made him a fan favorite and a champion.
