In Video: Stewart Friesen walks again in striking scenes months after his frightening crash

NASCAR: Truck Series Championship - Source: Imagn
NASCAR Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen (52) during the NASCAR Truck Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Image: Imagn

Stewart Friesen took his first unaided steps since a violent dirt-track crash earlier this month. His team posted a video on social media showing the Halmar Friesen Racing NASCAR Truck driver walking on his own for the first time during recovery.

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Friesen's crash occurred on July 28, during a Super DIRTcar Series race at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec. His car slipped out of control down the backstretch, hit the outside wall, flipped violently, caught fire, and was struck again by another car before coming to rest. The wreck left his vehicle badly mangled, but when safety crews reached him, he was alert and conscious.

Friesen suffered from an "unstable/open-book" pelvic fracture and a fractured right leg. Doctors also found a large hematoma in his pelvic region, which required immediate and complex surgery.

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However, he appears to be in good spirits again, as evidenced by the video posted by Stewart Friesen Racing on Friday.

"Big day, we have a walking driver! 🚶🏻," the post was captioned.
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Friesen spent over a week in the hospital, then was transferred across the border to New York for specialized trauma care. He began physical therapy and returned home.

Friesen's 2025 season was not going badly before the crash. He had claimed a win at Michigan International Speedway on June 7 and snapped a 72-race winless streak. That win also secured him a spot in the Truck Series playoffs. Overall, he logged three top-5 and six top-10 finishes.

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After the crash, Halmar Friesen Racing replaced him, with Kaden Honeycutt taking over starting at Richmond. Christopher Bell also drove the No. 52 truck for one race at Watkins Glen. The team opted not to pursue a medical waiver for Friesen's playoff eligibility.

Stewart Friesen expected to return for 2026 NASCAR Truck season

Stewart Friesen returned to the Truck Series garage at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in mid-September. He was still using crutches and undergoing treatment. But being back among colleagues and friends marked a huge emotional boost.

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Friesen also said that his goal was to be back behind the wheel at the Truck season opener in February 2026.

"That's the goal (returning to Daytona in 2026) we set right away. If I could get a little bit more mobility and range of motion back in this right foot, I'd like to be back, in at least a dirt car, maybe for World Finals. But I think that's super wishful thinking. ... That's the goal. We're going to work as hard as we can," Stewart Friesen told Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass.
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Friesen is expected to start the 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season at the Daytona International Speedway on February 13.

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Edited by Hitesh Nigam
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