NASCAR driver caught in terrifying fireball wreck as health update issued

NASCAR Truck Series veteran Stewart Friesen has suffered fractures to his right leg and pelvis following a terrifying crash at a Super DIRTcar Series event in Canada. The 42-year-old was racing dirt modified cars at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec on Monday when he crashed hard into the Turn Two wall. Friesen's No.44 car collided with a tyre barrier before barrelling into the air and catching fire.

The stricken vehicle then deflected back onto the track, with the Truck Series driver suffering a terrifying second impact when his car was hit by a competitor. Fortunately, Friesen was extracted from his machine by safety personnel at the track after communicating with track officials and EMTs.

"Stewart is alert and talking, and he has been transported to a local hospital following an incident during the @SuperDIRTcar King of the North race at @AutodromeD," his team said in a statement. "Thank you for all the comments and messages of concern and compassion."

Friesen's wife, Jessica, posted an update on her husband's status on Tuesday. "As most of you know by now, Stewart was involved in a multi-car accident at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec, Canada last night," she wrote.

"CT scans have come back clear of any head, neck, or spine injuries. Unfortunately, he is still in a tremendous amount of pain. Stewart has suffered an unstable/open-book pelvic fracture, meaning his pelvis is broken in two or more places, with a large hematoma on the area. Stewart also has a fractured right leg.

"Both of these injuries will require surgery. Stewart was transferred to a larger hospital this morning for these procedures. His vitals are stable, and after receiving additional pain medication, he is in better spirits and resting. Thank you to Tommy Conroy and Martin Roy, who stayed with Stewart last night.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out and sent prayers and positive thoughts. Thank you to the manufacturers who have made dirt modifieds as safe as possible, and to the track crew for their patience and hard work getting Stew out of the car. We will share more updates as soon as we have them.

Friesen, who has been running full-time in the Truck Series since 2019, locked himself into the 2025 play-offs after winning at Michigan - his fourth victory at the level. He sits 13th in points with two races remaining of the regular season.