Stewart Friesen Back Home After Scary Crash, Opens Up About Not…read more.
After days of worry and unanswered questions, fans of NASCAR Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen finally got the update they were hoping for: he’s home, resting, and grateful to be alive.
The 41-year-old fan favorite was involved in a terrifying wreck last weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. With just a handful of laps to go, Friesen’s No. 52 truck was caught in a multi-truck collision that ended with him slamming hard into the wall. The impact was violent the kind that sends chills through anyone watching, especially when a driver doesn’t immediately climb out on their own.
Medical crews acted fast, carefully extracting Friesen from the wreck and airlifting him to a trauma center in Toronto. For the next two days, details were scarce. All fans knew was that he was hospitalized, alert, and undergoing tests. The silence led to growing concern but now, we finally know the full picture.
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Halmar Friesen Racing confirmed that Stewart suffered a number of injuries in the crash: a broken collarbone, three fractured ribs, a hairline wrist fracture, and a mild concussion. While the list sounds scary, doctors say he’s expected to make a full recovery and that news comes as a huge relief to his fans, family, and fellow racers.
“Stewart is now back home, surrounded by loved ones, and focused on healing,” the team said. “He’s sore, but he’s staying strong and optimistic and knowing Stewart, he’ll be itching to get back in the truck sooner than the doctors would like.”
Friesen didn’t leave it all to the team to explain. In a short video shared on his social media Wednesday afternoon, he appeared with his arm in a sling and a few bruises still visible but his smile was unmistakable.
“It’s been a tough few days, not going to lie,” he said. “But I’m thankful to be back home with Jess and the kids. I want to thank everyone from the first responders at the track to the hospital staff in Toronto, and of course, the fans. Your messages, prayers, and support have meant everything.”
The video immediately sparked a flood of supportive comments and well wishes, many from fellow drivers and teams. “We’re all pulling for you, Stew,” wrote Kyle Busch. “Can’t wait to see you back out there.”
Stewart’s wife, Jessica Friesen a racer in her own right also took to Instagram to share her side of the emotional week. “Nothing can prepare you for the phone call saying your husband’s been airlifted,” she wrote. “But the outpouring of love and prayers from all of you carried us through. Stewart is one of the toughest people I know. He’s hurting, but he’s healing.”
Friesen’s injuries mean he’ll be sidelined for at least a few weeks, and possibly longer depending on how his body responds to treatment. His team has announced that Chase Purdy will fill in behind the wheel of the No. 52 truck until Stewart is cleared to return.
“It’s an honor to fill in for Stewart, even under these tough circumstances,” Purdy said. “He’s a warrior. I’ll do everything I can to represent him and the team well.”
Stewart Friesen has long been known not just for his skill on the track, but for his grit, work ethic, and genuine connection with fans. Originally from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Friesen has built a name for himself in both dirt and asphalt racing, often bridging the two worlds with humility and heart. His passion for racing is unmistakable, and so is the love he has for the sport and the people who support it.
His absence will be felt in the Truck Series garage, but his presence still looms large. Fans have already launched social media hashtags like Get Well Stew and 52 Strong, and NASCAR officials praised both his strength and the safety systems that helped prevent an even worse outcome.
“There’s a long road ahead,” Friesen admitted in his video. “But I’ll take it one day at a time. I’ll be back.”
And if there’s one thing everyone in the NASCAR world knows by now, it’s that Stewart Friesen doesn’t back down from a challenge on the track or off it.
