What’s Happening?

Stewart Friesen and Halmar Friesen Racing will not apply for a waiver to allow the injured 41-year-old driver to maintain eligibility and compete in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs. 

• This announcement follows a tough few weeks for the No. 52 team. On July 29, Friesen, the team’s long-time driver, was severely injured in a dirt racing accident. Beginning this weekend, the team has brought on Kayden Honeycutt to drive the truck for what they deemed the “balance of” the season.
• Though the press release’s wording was vague, it suggested that Friesen could return in 2026 while Honeycut helped them in the owner’s points battle while pursuing his championship aspirations. Prior to this arrangement, Honeycutt, who had put together a potential playoff birth, was released from his former team, Niece Motorsports, for signing with a new OEM and team for 2026.
• Not pursuing a playoff waiver does not necessarily mean that Friesen cannot return this year; it does, however, mean that the veteran driver will not participate in the playoffs, though Friesen had locked in his spot by winning at Michigan in June. This decision also opens up another spot in the 10-driver field, with four spots open with his removal.
• If the regular season ended today, Honeycutt, Grant Enfinger, Ty Majeski, and Jake Garcia would take those spots. But with one race left tomorrow at Richmond Raceway, drivers like Ben Rhodes and Gio Ruggiero are on the outside looking in with a renewed shot at spots for both drivers.

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