Autodrome Drummond, Quebec ā July 28, 2025 ā NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen was involved in a brutal crash during the Super DIRTcar Series āKing of the Northā event at Autodrome Drummond. Video captured his #44 dirt-modified car flipping and barrel-rolling multiple times across the track after striking the outer retaining wall, before being hit by another driver unable to avoid the wreckage .
š½ļø The Wreck: What Happened
On lap 17, Friesenās car jumped a berm on the backstretch and collided with the wall. The impact sent it violently airborne; it flipped and rolled repeatedly, bursting into flames upon landing. A trailing car then plowed into the mangled wreckage as Friesenās vehicle came to rest . Racing footage as well as eyewitness reports called the crash āhorrific,ā noting the car nearly ended up on its roof before the secondary collision .
š Friesenās Condition & Medical Updates
Friesen was alert and communicating with officials and EMTs at the scene before being extricated. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and later moved to a larger facility in New York for surgery . Doctors confirmed: An unstable openābook pelvic fracture, meaning multiple breaks and internal hematoma. A fractured right leg, both injuries requiring immediate surgery. No head, neck, or spine injuries, per CT scans . Jessica Friesen, his wife, thanked the dirt-modified safety innovations, emergency crews, and track staff for their response efforts .
šļø Friesenās Racing Background & Stakes
Friesen, a Canadian-born driver, races full-time in NASCARās Truck Series in the No.āÆ52 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing. He also actively competes in dirt-modified events in his No.āÆ44 car . The 42-year-old recently clinched his fourth NASCAR Truck Series win at Michigan on June 7, securing a spot in the playoffs. Just days prior to the crash, he won a Super DIRTcar race at Weedsport, marking his 52nd dirt-modified victory . Despite a strong playoff positionāranked seventh going into the postseasonāhis status is now uncertain as he begins surgery and recovery .
š Why This Matters
Element
Significance
Safety spotlight
The crash underscores the danger of dirt-modified racing and the importance of safety-first designs in preventing worse outcomes.
Medical care in motorsports
Responders demonstrated rapid response, placing Friesen in stable hands and preventing further trauma.
Championship implications
Friesenās NASCAR playoff hopes could be jeopardized, shaking up competition in the opening Truck Series rounds.
Fan and community concern
At 42, battling serious injuries, Friesen remains a respected veteran in both the NASCAR and dirt-racing communities.
š¬ Eyewitness & Fan Reactions
From fans and series followers alike, comments surfaced on Reddit and social media reaction threads: āAs if the initial impact, roll, and fire wasnāt enough he gets absolutely smoked by another car coming down. Iām a big dirt fan and this mightā¦ā Coverage repeatedly emphasized the severity of the crash driven by contact with another car after the initial rollover sequence.
š® Whatās Next
Friesen now faces surgery to address his pelvic and leg injuries and will embark on a difficult rehabilitation path. His recovery could influence:
His participation in the early rounds of the Truck Series playoffs beginning in late August. Team planning and substitute arrangements at Halmar Friesen Racing. Safety evaluations for future dirt-modified events and facility readiness.
Stewart Friesenās brutal accident is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in dirt-track competition. While he remains alert and in stable condition, the road ahead is uncertain. Weāll continue monitoring updates on his surgery, recovery, and whether heāll return to fighting for NASCAR glory.
