Cole Butcher to Drive No. 62 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Bristol Motor Speedway
Halmar Fresen Racing announced today that Canadian Super Late Model standout Cole Butcher will pilot the No. 62 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in the upcoming UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol Motor Speedway, on September 11.
STATESVILLE, N.C. (August 10, 2025) Halmar Fresen Racing announced today that Canadian Super Late Model standout Cole Butcher will pilot the No. 62 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in the upcoming UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol Motor Speedway, on September 11.
Backed by longtime partner Atlantic Tiltload, a leader in specialized hauling and transportation services across Eastern Canada, Butcher will also have support from TOP Construction Ltd., further strengthening the Canadian presence behind this high-profile NASCAR entry.
Butcher, a native of Hantsport, Nova Scotia, is a proven winner in some of North America's toughest short-track arenas. He's a multi-time Pro Stock Tour champion, a podium finisher in the Oxford 250, and recently scored a marquee victory in the ASA STARS National Tour, further cementing his reputation as one of the top short-track talents on the continent.
"I'm excited to make my Truck Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway with Halmar Friesen Racing," Butcher said. "It's a big opportunity, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Bristol is such an iconic track, and I'm hoping we can put together a solid run and bring home a Top 10 finish. I'm thankful to everyone at Halmar Friesen Racing for the chance to be part of this race."
"Cole has been on our radar for the past few years. I've watched what he's been able to do against some of the toughest Late Model competition in the country and he's been impressive. Already being a part of the TRD family, he's the perfect fit as we continue to grow the team. All of us at HFR are excited to have him join us at Bristol in the 62." Said HFR co-owner Stewart Friesen.
The 2025 UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol Motor Speedway is set to deliver intense, high-banked action in front of an energetic crowd and national TV audience. The race will be broadcast live on FS1.
About Halmar Friesen Racing
Halmar Friesen Racing (HFR) is a professional NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team owned by Chris Larsen and Stewart Friesen. Based in Statesville, North Carolina, HFR fields the No. 52 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro full time and operates a second entry for select events. The team is known for its competitive edge and commitment to giving top drivers a chance to shine on the national stage.
About Atlantic Tiltload
Atlantic Tiltload Ltd. is a specialized transportation company based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. With over 30 years of experience, the company provides heavy hauling, machinery moving, and tiltload services across Canada and the United States. Atlantic Tiltload is proudly Canadian and proudly behind the wheel of some of the country's top racing talent.
Former Truck Series Champion Christopher Bell to fill in for Stewart Friesen at Watkins Glen
2017 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion Christopher Bell will fill in for Stewart Friesen in the No. 52 Halmar International Toyota Tundra
TRD Pro at Watkins Glen International on Friday, August 8.
STATESVILLE, NC. (August 4, 2025) - 2017 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion Christopher Bell will fill in for Stewart Friesen in the No. 52 Halmar International Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Watkins Glen International on Friday, August 8. Friesen was injured while competing in a Super DIRTcar Series race at Canada's Autrodrome Drummond. He was later transferred to a hospital in New York where he continues to make progress after undergoing several surgeries.
"I want to thank everyone for their outreach and support as I continue to recover," said Friesen. "I know Christopher will give our truck a great run. We will be watching and cheering the team on this Friday."
Bell is a seven-time Truck Series winner. The Oklahoma-native finished in the top-five in his lone Truck Series start last season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bell is making his Truck Series debut at Watkins Glen International, but he is a multi-time road course winner. He secured his track-best third-place finish in 2023.
"I was honored to receive the call to run this truck for Stewart, a fellow dirt racer and Toyota teammate, in Watkins Glen," said Bell. "I've spent time with the team these past few days and we are working hard to continue the great season Stewart has had and deliver a great finish for him and his partners."
The No. 52 Halmar Friesen Racing team, which clinched their spot in the NASCAR Playoffs with Friesen's victory at Michigan International Speedway in June, will continue to run for the NASCAR Truck Series Owners' Championship, and driver announcements for future races will be forthcoming.
After Serving Record Number of Margaritas Following Racing Debut, Chili’s and Halmar Friesen Racing Bring Fans the Whole Menu
Halmar Friesen Racing (HFR) and Chili’s Grill &; Bar are capitalizing on the fan-favorite restaurant brand’s record-breaking NASCAR debut by feeding fans’ hunger for more with a one-of-a-kind primary scheme at Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, Texas) this Friday, April 12.
Chili’s is putting its entire menu on the HFR No. 52 Toyota TRD Pro driven by Series veteran Stewart Friesen, ensuring every fan’s favorite dish will be speeding around the iconic brand’s home track in this Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 250.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The fan-favorite grill and bar will be the primary sponsor on HFR’s No. 52 Toyota, driven by Stewart Friesen at Texas
STATESVILLE, NC - Halmar Friesen Racing (HFR) and Chili’s Grill & Bar are capitalizing on the fan-favorite restaurant brand’s record-breaking NASCAR debut by feeding fans’ hunger for more with a one-of-a-kind primary scheme at Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, Texas) this Friday, April 12.
Chili’s is putting its entire menu on the HFR No. 52 Toyota TRD Pro driven by series veteran Stewart Friesen, ensuring every fan’s favorite dish will be speeding around the iconic brand’s home track in this Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 250.
“All of us at HFR are proud to represent Chili’s on their home turf in an event where we took home the trophy just two years ago,” Friesen said. “Our program has shown some speed this year. We’re hoping to put the Chili’s No. 52 out front in Texas.”
Alongside the bold scheme are a custom fire suit and helmet featuring a “Follow me to Chili’s” motif sure to paint a clear picture for fans watching both from the stands and at home.
“After challenging fans to ‘Catch-a-Rita #39; at Daytona this season, our Chili’s Team Members served guests a record number of margaritas on National Margarita Day, so we took things a step further with Stewart and HFR,” said Chili’s Chief Marketing Officer George Felix. “After watching our menu lead the pack all night, we’re betting race fans will have a hard time deciding whether they want our juicy burgers, Crispy Chicken Crispers, or sizzling fajitas next time they visit Chili’s!” Fans can follow Friesen to Chili’s on Thursday, April 11. He and the Chili’s No. 52 TRD Pro Truck will appear at the Chili’s Roanoke, Texas, location (113 East Highway 114 Roanoke, TX 76262) just five miles from the speedway. Friesen will be available for autographs from 5-6 p.m. CT, and 50 lucky fans will leave the restaurant with complimentary general admission tickets to the race on April 12.
About Hammer Friesen Racing (HFR)
Halmar Friesen Racing (HFR) of Statesville, N.C. is a leading Nascar Craftsman Truck Series team fielding the No. 52 Toyota TRD Pro for driver Stewart Friesen of Sprakers, N.Y. The multi time winning team enters their 9 th year of Nascar competition in the 2024 season. Friesen/HFR also compete regularly in the Northeastern style Dirt Modified division with the No. 44.
About Chilis® Grill & Bar
Hi, welcome to Chili’s! We are a leader in the casual dining industry and the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT). We are known for our big mouth burgers, Chicken Crispers®, full-on sizzling fajitas and hand-shaken margaritas. We take our food seriously – but not ourselves – because dining out should feel like a celebration even if there is nothing to celebrate. Our passion is making everyone feel special, and every day, our ChiliHeads make it their job to spread #ChilisLove across our more than 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories. And Chili’s cares. We host local Give Back Events to support kids, education and hunger and have raised more than $100 million benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through generous Guest donations. Find more information about us at chilis.com, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, like us on Facebook or join us on TikTok.