Kaden Honeycutt will take over Christopher Bell’s NASCAR Truck Series seat at Richmond Raceway, driving the No. 52 Toyota for the rest of the 2025 season. This move comes after Honeycutt’s release from Niece Motorsports, where he had been under contract before reportedly signing with a Toyota-affiliated team for 2026.
Honeycutt recently competed for Young’s Motorsports, a Chevrolet team like Niece, at Watkins Glen International. The shift to Toyota‘s Halmar Friesen Racing fills the vacancy created as Bell steps aside and Stewart Friesen remains sidelined due to injuries sustained in a dirt racing accident.
Christopher Bell’s Temporary Stint and Stewart Friesen’s Injury Status
Joe Gibbs Racing Cup driver Christopher Bell had stepped in for Friesen, making only four Truck Series starts since winning the 2017 championship. Bell’s time behind the wheel of the No. 52 truck concluded after securing a fourth-place finish. With Honeycutt taking over earlier than expected, Bell’s temporary assignment has ended.
Stewart Friesen’s ability to return to racing and his eligibility for a playoff waiver remain uncertain. Friesen is currently playoff eligible, thanks to his victory at Michigan International Speedway in June, but his fitness for upcoming races is yet to be determined.
Playoff Picture and Upcoming Race Details
Honeycutt holds eighth place in the points standings, positioned 65 points above the playoff cut line, or 54 points ahead if Friesen is granted a waiver. Honeycutt has earned top-three finishes at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway during the season, strengthening his playoff chances.
The eero 250 at Richmond Raceway, scheduled for Friday night, marks the 18th and final race of the regular 2025 season. The NASCAR Truck Series playoffs will begin on Saturday, August 30, with the Sober or Slammer 200 at Darlington Raceway. Both races will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1.
Friday’s regular season finale will start at 7:30 p.m. ET, allowing fans to catch the intense action as Honeycutt officially assumes the No. 52 truck driving duties.
“Christopher Bell’s run with the Halmar Friesen Racing No. 52 truck is complete after a solid fourth place finish.” —Source
