Halmar Friesen Racing Overview
Halmar Friesen Racing is an American professional stock car and dirt track racing team competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded in 2016 and based in Statesville, North Carolina, the team fields the No. 52 Toyota Tundra full-time for Stewart Friesen and the No. 62 Toyota full-time. Known for its competitive presence on both dirt and paved tracks, Halmar Friesen Racing has established technical alliances with Kyle Busch Motorsports and previously with GMS Racing. The team is co-owned by Chris Larsen and Stewart Friesen and has steadily grown its reputation through multiple race victories and a commitment to driver development.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Halmar Friesen Racing was established in 2016 with the goal of competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and dirt track racing events. The team was founded by Chris Larsen and Stewart Friesen, combining their resources and racing expertise to create a competitive operation. Initially, the team ran part-time schedules, focusing on short track races with Stewart Friesen as the primary driver. Early technical support included a body from Kyle Busch Motorsports and an engine from Richard Childress Racing for their debut race at Eldora. The organizational structure included the hiring of Tommy Baldwin Jr., a former Cup Series team owner, as team manager to guide the team’s growth and competitive strategy.
Growth Into NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition
Halmar Friesen Racing transitioned from part-time participation in 2016 to a full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule in 2017. The team renumbered their truck to No. 52 and continued to build its operations with a focus on competitive performance. The partnership with Tommy Baldwin Jr. brought valuable leadership, while a technical alliance with GMS Racing enhanced their engineering and race-day capabilities. The team’s driver, Stewart Friesen, quickly became a prominent competitor, capturing pole positions and contending for wins. Over time, Halmar Friesen Racing expanded its driver lineup and technical partnerships, including a switch to Toyota manufacturer support in alliance with Kyle Busch Motorsports starting in 2020.
Halmar Friesen Racing Competitive Journey
Since its inception, Halmar Friesen Racing has progressed steadily through the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, evolving from a part-time team to a consistent contender. The team has competed in over 200 races, achieving four race victories and three pole positions. Their journey reflects a commitment to both dirt and paved track racing, with notable performances at Eldora and Phoenix Raceway.
Early Seasons and Development (2016–2017)
In its debut year of 2016, Halmar Friesen Racing participated part-time, focusing on short track events with Stewart Friesen driving the No. 16 truck. The team utilized resources from established racing organizations to build a competitive foundation. In 2017, the team expanded to a full-time schedule, renumbering their truck to No. 52 and hiring Tommy Baldwin Jr. as team manager. Stewart Friesen captured the pole position at the 2017 Eldora Dirt Derby and finished second in that race, marking an early highlight. Despite a brief mid-season hiatus, the team returned with renewed focus and formed a technical alliance with GMS Racing, which improved their competitive stability.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (2018–2019)
During the 2018 season, Halmar Friesen Racing solidified its presence in the Truck Series, with Stewart Friesen advancing to the playoffs and finishing seventh in the final points standings. The team continued its alliance with GMS Racing, which contributed to consistent top finishes. In 2019, the team faced challenges including a pre-race inspection issue at Kentucky but rebounded with Stewart Friesen winning his first career Truck Series race at Eldora. Later that year, Friesen secured another victory at Phoenix Raceway. These wins marked significant milestones and demonstrated the team’s growing competitiveness.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2020–Present)
In 2020, Halmar Friesen Racing switched manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota, aligning with Kyle Busch Motorsports. This partnership enhanced the team’s technical resources and competitive edge. Stewart Friesen continued as the full-time driver of the No. 52 truck, making the playoffs in 2021 despite not winning races that season. The team also fields the No. 62 truck full-time, featuring various drivers including Jessica Friesen and Todd Bodine in selected races. In 2022, Stewart Friesen ended a 54-race winless streak with a victory at Texas Motor Speedway. The team has maintained a strong presence with multiple top finishes, though recent seasons have seen some challenges including injuries to Stewart Friesen in 2025, leading to substitute drivers filling in. The team remains focused on growth, driver development, and competitive success.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Halmar Friesen Racing emphasizes versatility and adaptability, excelling on both dirt and paved tracks. The team’s core strengths lie in its technical alliances, strategic race management, and driver skill development. Their focus on dirt racing heritage combined with modern NASCAR competition defines their competitive identity.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key moments for Halmar Friesen Racing include Stewart Friesen’s first Truck Series win at Eldora in 2019, the switch to Toyota and alliance with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2020, and the victory at Texas Motor Speedway in 2022 that ended a long winless streak. The team’s ability to rebound from setbacks and maintain competitive performance highlights its resilience and growth.
Halmar Friesen Racing Achievements and Results
Halmar Friesen Racing has accumulated four race victories and three pole positions in over 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races since its founding. The team has consistently qualified for playoffs and achieved multiple top finishes, establishing itself as a competitive force in the series.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
The team’s first victory came in 2019 at the Eldora Dirt Derby with Stewart Friesen behind the wheel. This breakthrough was followed by another win at Phoenix Raceway the same year. After switching to Toyota in 2020, the team continued to compete strongly, with Friesen securing a win at Texas Motor Speedway in 2022 and another at Michigan in 2025. These wins underscore the team’s ability to compete at high levels across different track types.
Development and Driver Achievements
Beyond Stewart Friesen, Halmar Friesen Racing has supported driver development through opportunities for Jessica Friesen, Todd Bodine, Layne Riggs, and others in the No. 62 truck. The team has promoted diverse talent and provided platforms for drivers to gain experience in NASCAR’s competitive environment. This commitment to driver growth complements the team’s competitive ambitions and organizational goals.
