Autodrome Drummond, Quebec — July 28, 2025 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen was involved in a brutal crash during the Super DIRTcar Series “King of the North” 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 .
📽️ The Wreck: What Happened
On lap 17, Friesen’s 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 Friesen’s vehicle came to rest . Racing footage as well as eyewitness reports called the crash “horrific,” noting the car nearly ended up on its roof before the secondary collision .
🚑 Friesen’s 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 open‑book 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 .
🏎️ Friesen’s Racing Background & Stakes
Friesen, a Canadian-born driver, races full-time in NASCAR’s Truck Series in the No. 52 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing. He also actively competes in dirt-modified events in his No. 44 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 position—ranked seventh going into the postseason—his status is now uncertain as he begins surgery and recovery .
🔎 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
Friesen’s 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.
💬 Eyewitness & Fan Reactions
From fans and series followers alike, comments surfaced on Reddit and social media reaction threads: “As if the initial impact, roll, and fire wasn’t enough he gets absolutely smoked by another car coming down. I’m a big dirt fan and this might…” Coverage repeatedly emphasized the severity of the crash driven by contact with another car after the initial rollover sequence.
🔮 What’s 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 Friesen’s 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. We’ll continue monitoring updates on his surgery, recovery, and whether he’ll return to fighting for NASCAR glory.
