Stewart Friesen Bio
Early Life and Background
Stewart J. Friesen was born on July 25, 1983, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a family that owned the Ransomville Speedway in Western New York, which provided him with early exposure to the world of racing. Friesen began his racing career in go-karts and quickly progressed to big-block modifieds, achieving significant success in the Northeast United States. He was a track champion at Fonda Speedway for several consecutive years and participated in the 2010 World Finals at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Friesen’s early years were marked by a strong commitment to racing, which led him to compete in various dirt track events. He has run over nine hundred dirt races throughout his career and has been a formidable competitor in the SuperDIRT Series and the World of Outlaws sprint car series, where he has achieved over 230 career wins.
Path to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Friesen’s transition to NASCAR began with a one-time ride at Eldora Speedway, which ultimately led to a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His debut came in 2016 at the Aspen Dental Eldora Dirt Derby, where he finished 28th after an unfortunate incident. Despite this rocky start, he quickly established himself in the series, securing a full-time ride with Halmar Friesen Racing in 2017.
In his early NASCAR career, Friesen faced challenges but also showcased his potential. He recorded several top finishes and began to gain recognition within the NASCAR community. His partnership with Chris Larsen proved pivotal, allowing him to secure a competitive ride and continue his development as a driver.
Stewart Friesen Career
Early Career (2000–2015)
Friesen’s racing career began in 2000, primarily focusing on modified racing. He became a dominant force in the Northeast, winning multiple championships and establishing himself as a top competitor. His success in modified racing laid the foundation for his future endeavors in NASCAR.
During this period, Friesen achieved notable victories, including four wins at the prestigious Syracuse 200 Modified race. His reputation as a skilled driver continued to grow, ultimately leading to his entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2016–2019)
Friesen made his official NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2016 at Eldora Speedway. Although his first race ended in disappointment, he quickly improved, finishing thirteenth at New Hampshire Motor Speedway later that season. In 2017, he solidified his position in the series with Halmar Friesen Racing, achieving a career-best second-place finish at Eldora.
The 2019 season marked a significant turning point for Friesen. He won his first career NASCAR race at the Eldora Dirt Derby, followed by another victory at Phoenix, which allowed him to qualify for the Championship 4. He finished fourth in the final standings, showcasing his potential as a contender in the series.
Halmar Friesen Racing Era (2020–Present)
Friesen faced challenges in the 2020 season, missing the playoffs and opting to focus on dirt racing. However, he returned to the Truck Series full-time in 2021, achieving a sixth-place finish in the standings despite not winning a race. In 2022, he broke a 54-race winless streak with a victory at Texas, further establishing his competitive edge.
In 2023, Friesen continued to perform well, securing five top-five finishes and seven top-ten finishes, although he missed the playoffs. The following season in 2024 saw similar results, with Friesen finishing twelfth in the standings. As of 2025, he started the season with a 23rd-place finish at Daytona but later achieved a significant victory at Michigan, breaking a 72-race drought.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Friesen is known for his adaptability and skill in both dirt and asphalt racing. His experience in modified racing translates well to the Truck Series, where he employs strategic driving techniques and maintains a strong competitive presence on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Friesen’s career highlights include winning the Eldora Dirt Derby and the Phoenix race in 2019, as well as multiple EMPA North East Driver of the Year awards from 2010 to 2021. His ability to compete at a high level in both dirt and NASCAR events has made him a respected figure in the racing community.
Stewart Friesen Career Wins
Friesen has achieved a total of four wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with notable victories at Eldora and Phoenix. His success on dirt tracks has also contributed to his reputation as a versatile driver.
Current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Highlights
In the current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Friesen has recorded four wins, with his most recent victory occurring at Michigan in 2025. He has consistently performed well, achieving multiple top finishes and maintaining a competitive presence in the series.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
Friesen’s previous achievements in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series include a notable second-place finish at Eldora in 2017 and qualifying for the Championship 4 in 2019. His ability to secure top finishes has established him as a formidable competitor in the series.
Stewart Friesen Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Friesen is married to Jessica Friesen, and the couple has one son. They reside in Sprakers, New York, where they also run a t-shirt printing business, demonstrating their entrepreneurial spirit alongside their racing careers.
Personal Life
Friesen grew up playing hockey and later pursued a degree in science from the University of Windsor. His diverse interests and background contribute to his well-rounded personality both on and off the track.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Friesen finishing 23rd at Daytona, but he quickly rebounded with a significant victory at Michigan, breaking a 72-race winless streak. This win has reinvigorated his season and provided momentum as he aims to improve his standings. Friesen’s performance continues to reflect his resilience and determination as he competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
