It’s no secret that Kyle Larson is just as fond of dirt car racing as he is of stock car racing in NASCAR. So, he manages to find time for both. However, this comes with a significant risk: If an injury happens while dirt racing, a top driver like Larson could end up sabotaging his NASCAR commitments. As has been the case for Stewart Friesen recently.
The NASCAR Truck Series regular was running a Super DIRTcar Series race in Canada, where he met with a gnarly crash. As he was trying to move past the pack, his car got loose, rode the wall, flipped several times, then crashed on its roof, instantaneously bursting into flames, and only came to a stop after hitting the incoming traffic from behind.
Friesen was rushed to the hospital, and although the crash wasn’t fatal, he did suffer significant injuries. This includes a fractured pelvis and a fractured right leg. Naturally, Friesen is sitting out for several of the upcoming races in the Truck Series season.
But the racing commitments are only one part; Friesen’s crash has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world. This could happen to any NASCAR driver who juggles dirt and stock car racing, like Christopher Bell or Larson, who recently sent a heartfelt message to Friesen.
Kyle Larson Recently Shared a Message for Stewart Friesen, Lauding His Courage
Larson has been in Friesen’s shoes more often than not, but was always lucky to escape without injury. Remember the 2024 Chili Bowl race, when he landed upside down after a crash? Or the 2025 Chili Bowl’s main event, where Larson ultimately rode the top of the wall.
Recently, the NASCAR veteran sent a message for Friesen’s speedy recovery. Larson said, “He’s a gritty racer and one I respect a lot. He runs Truck Series races on Friday and then flies to race his Big Block the rest of the weekend. That just shows the passion that he has for racing. Hopefully, he can have a speedy, healthy recovery.”
Kyle Larson was asked about Stewart Friesen’s injury racing dirt modifieds. Said it was “devastating” to see and wished Stewart the best.
“He’s a gritty racer and one I respect a lot. He runs Truck Series races on Friday and then flies to race his Big Block the rest of the… pic.twitter.com/TqKcnPHQkN
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) August 3, 2025
Friesen has had a hell of a Truck Series season so far, locking himself in the playoffs after winning the Michigan race. But since he’ll be missing out on the upcoming races, he won’t be eligible for the playoffs. Like at Watkins Glen, Christopher Bell would be replacing the Toyota driver. Followed by other drivers in the other races that Friesen misses.
Hopefully, Friesen will recover and return to racing. It would be sad if he went down like Kurt Busch. If you recall, Busch was locked in the 2022 playoffs, but his wreck at Pocono ended his NASCAR career.
Read More: NASCAR Star Stewart Friesen’s Family Break Down Recovery Roadmap After Major Multi-Hour Surgery
Also, let’s hope Coach Gibbs doesn’t bring back the infamous rule for his drivers after the Friesen case. The rule that prohibits Joe Gibbs Racing drivers from racing anywhere outside NASCAR. He lifted it last year, but Friesen’s case could act as a case in point for him.
Well, for now, only time will tell what’s in store for Friesen’s future in NASCAR and in racing in general.