During a Super DIRTcar Series race at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec, Canada, NASCAR Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen found himself in a dangerous situation when he crashed into the outside wall, causing his car to flip and catch fire. The incident, which took place on Monday night, was particularly alarming as Friesen’s vehicle exploded into flames as it came back down to the track. Safety officials quickly responded to the scene and were able to communicate with Friesen before he was transported to a nearby hospital.
Despite the severity of the crash, Friesen was reported to have spoken to safety officials before he was taken to the hospital. His wife, Jessica Friesen, released a statement early Tuesday morning, revealing that CT scans had ruled out any head, neck, or spine injuries. However, she mentioned that her husband was still in substantial pain, and the injuries he sustained, including an unstable pelvic fracture and a fractured right leg, required immediate medical attention and surgery. Friesen was subsequently transferred to a larger hospital for these procedures.
Stewart Friesen’s injuries are a significant setback for the NASCAR driver, who previously had a successful season in the Truck Series. Despite the recent crash, Friesen had previously finished 35th at Indianapolis on Friday but had one win and three top five finishes this year. His performance on the dirt track was also notable, as he had recently won a race at Weedsport Speedway, marking his 52nd career win in the Super DIRTcar Series.
The incident has sparked discussions about safety in motorsports, with concerns about the risk of such accidents in high-speed racing environments. While the focus remains on Friesen’s recovery, the event serves as a reminder of the dangers inherent in such races and the importance of safety measures in place for drivers.