Kaden Honeycutt to fill in for injured Stewart Friesen during playoffs

Just a couple of weeks ago, this headline wouldn't have made any sense, and yet, it is happening. When Stewart Friesen was seriously injured in a dirt modified crash, the No. 52 Halmar-Friesen Racing Toyota needed to find a replacement driver as the team is set to take part in the championship playoffs.

Enter Kaden Honeycutt, who was abruptly let go from his full-time ride at Niece Motorsports this week for signing with a rival team and manufacturer for 2026 (believed to be TRICON and Toyota). Honeycutt is also bound for playoffs, sitting 73 points above the cut-line.

While Christopher Bell will drive the No. 52 at Watkins Glen, Halmar-Friesen has announced a new partnership with Honeycutt for the rest of the 2025 season. Both will be be able to fight for the championship as a duo after one lost its driver and the other lost their ride. Honeycutt will drive the No. 02 Young's Motorsports entry for the Truck race at The Glen.

Stewart Friesen, Halmar-Friesen Racing Toyota

Photo by: Justin Casterline / Getty Images

Honeycutt's first race in the No. 52 will be at Richmond Raceway next weekend, which serves as the regular season finale for the NASCAR Truck Series.

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

Honeycutt has not yet win in the Truck Series, but he has been solid, currently sitting sixth in the championship standings. 

"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," said Honeycutt. "We are going to work hard to have a solid final eight races of the season and continue to deliver great results for Stewart, his family and this organization."