Stewart Friesen will not pursue a medical waiver to retain his eligibility for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs, according to a statement posted to his social channels on Thursday afternoon.
Friesen is still recovering from serious injuries sustained in a crash on July 28 in a Big Block Modified in Quebec, Canada, which forced him to miss the most recent race last weekend at Watkins Glen International. He will also miss the race on Friday at Richmond Raceway.
Kaden Honeycutt, who was released fro Niece Mottorsports due to signing a deal with a Toyota team for next season, has taken over for Friesen in his No. 52 for a playoff run for both himself and their team respectively.
Friesen had qualified for the playoffs due to winning the race at Michigan earlier in the summer. Even unable to race due to pelvic and leg fractures, his truck is still eligible for the Truck Series owners championship, which pays half of the purse. The other half of the purse is paid out to the drivers championship.
As a result of not seeking a playoff waiver, the Truck Series playoff will not open itself up to one driver that otherwise wouldn't have made it. Jake Garcia has an 11 point lead over two-time champion Ben Rhodes for the final provisional spot on points now.
Eyes forward. Playoffs ahead. pic.twitter.com/o3q3nUowdr
— Stewart Friesen (@StewartFriesen) August 14, 2025