STATESVILLE, N.C. — Kaden Honeycutt will fill in for Stewart Friesen after a modified crash left him out for the rest of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

Honeycutt will begin his tenure in Halmar-Friesen Racing’s No. 52 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Richmond. Christopher Bell will fill in for Friesen this upcoming weekend at Watkins Glen.

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“While I recover, it was important for us to put someone in our truck that can help us compete at the highest level,” Friesen said. “I know Kaden will deliver a strong performance in our truck and allow us to continue to run for the owner’s championship.”

Friesen locked his team into the owner playoffs with a win at Michigan in June. However, a crash July 28 in a big block modified crash at Autodrome Drummond left him with extensive injuries to his lower extremities.

MORE: Stewart Friesen out for rest of NASCAR Trucks season after modified crash

Everything then happened in a perfect storm as Niece Motorsports cut Honeycutt from their lineup, as of Monday. Honeycutt is set to go to another team and manufacturer in 2026.

“It’s an honor to be able to fill in for Stewart for the rest of the season and help give his team a chance at the owner’s championship, which they earned. I’m excited to compete in contending, race-winning equipment as I pursue a title this season,” Honeycutt said. “We are going to work hard to have a solid final eight races of the season and continue to deliver great results.”

Friesen being out means another driver playoff spot will open up. Another spot could also open up if Honeycutt doesn’t attempt the Watkins Glen race.

A driver has to attempt every race to remain playoff-eligible unless NASCAR grants a waiver. Historically, NASCAR hasn’t been conducive to situations like what Honeycutt faces. NASCAR hasn’t said what they will do yet.

Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.

A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.

Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.

Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com