Halmar Friesen Racing Announces Crew Chief Moves for 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Season

STATESVILLE, N.C. January 30, 2026 - Halmar Friesen Racing announced today a pair of crew chief assignments that will take effect beginning with the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, further strengthening the organization as it expands to a full time two truck operation.

Dustin Dunn has been promoted to crew chief of the No. 52 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro driven by Stewart Friesen, while Jimmy Villeneuve will transition from the No. 52 to serve as crew chief of the No. 62 entry.

The move represents a promotion for Dunn, who has been a key part of the Halmar Friesen Racing technical group, and a lateral transition for Villeneuve as the team continues to build depth and continuity across both programs.

“I speak for everyone at HFR when I say how excited we are to see Dustin step into this role,” said Villeneuve. “Dustin Dunn has been by my side and he has been a huge contributing factor in the success of HFR. I’m very excited to see the great things that Dustin and Stewart will achieve in 2026 and beyond.”

Dunn joins the No. 52 team after spending the past two seasons as a race engineer with the organization, contributing across multiple entries and playing an integral role in the growth of the No. 62 program.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Chris Larsen, Stewart Friesen, and everyone at Halmar Friesen Racing have given me to step into the role of crew chief for the No. 52 truck beginning in 2026,” said Dunn. “Over the past two seasons as a race engineer with the organization, I’ve had the chance to work closely with Stewart, support multiple drivers during his injury, and contribute to the No. 62 truck during its part time schedule. Through those experiences, I’ve built strong working relationships, and I look forward to building on that foundation by combining my 30 years of experience as a driver with my engineering background to continue developing a program that shows up prepared and competitive each week. We’ve assembled a strong team for this year, and our goal is not only to be competitive, but to have fun doing it.”

Villeneuve will take over the No. 62 team as Halmar Friesen Racing prepares for its first full season as a two truck operation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The No. 62 will field a rotating lineup of drivers throughout the 2026 season, beginning with John Hunter Nemechek behind the wheel at Daytona International Speedway.

“All I can say is we’re ready to go,” said Friesen. “Dustin and I have built a great relationship over the past few years, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some excellent crew chiefs throughout my career on both dirt and pavement. Our communication is right there with any of them. Having Dustin in my ear during the race allows Jimmy to focus on the continued development of the No. 62 team, and it’s a big step forward for our entire organization.”

The Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway will open the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season on Friday, February 13. Fans can tune in at 7:30 p.m. EST on FS1, SiriusXM, and the NASCAR Racing Network.

John Hunter Nemechek returns to Truck Series with Halmar Friesen Racing at Daytona

STATESVILLE, N.C. (January 27, 2026) – John Hunter Nemechek, a 13-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race winner, will return to the Truck Series for a special appearance in the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 13. Nemechek will drive the No. 62 DriveValue.com® Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Halmar Friesen Racing, marking his 150th career start in the series.

Currently, Nemechek competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, and has amassed more than 350 starts across NASCAR’s three national series.

“I’m really excited to get back behind the wheel in the Truck Series, especially at a place like Daytona,” said Nemechek. “I’m extremely grateful to Halmar Friesen Racing and Stewart (Friesen) for the opportunity to drive the No. 62 Toyota. Daytona is such a special track, and any time you get the chance to compete there, it means a lot. I’m looking forward to making the most of this opportunity and having a strong run with the support of HFR and DriveValue.com®.”

DriveValue.com will be featured on the hood of John Hunter Nemechek’s No. 62 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Daytona. A current partner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, DriveValue.com is an educational platform from the Exit Planning Institute®focused on helping business owners and leadership teams grow enterprise value, align personal, business, and financial goals, and prepare for long-term success.

"I speak for everyone at HFR by saying how pumped we are to have John Hunter kick off our first season as a full-time two-truck team at Daytona,” said Friesen. “His track record and experience speaks for itself, and we all know he will do a great job competing for a win in the biggest race of the year. We also welcome the DriveValue.com® team to the Craftsman Truckseries and are thankful for their support of John Hunter at the World Center of Racing."

The Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway will kick off the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, launching the year with high-speed action on one of the sport’s most iconic tracks. Fans can tune in to watch on Friday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. EST on FS1, Sirius XM, and the NASCAR Racing Network.

Cole Butcher Set for Second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Start with Halmar Friesen Racing at Phoenix Raceway

Cole Butcher at Bristol Motor Speedway

STATESVILLE, N.C. (OCT. 7, 2025) — Halmar Friesen Racing announced today that Canadian short-track standout Cole Butcher will make his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series appearance, driving the No. 62 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in the Championship 150 at Phoenix Raceway on Friday, Oct. 31.

Butcher’s entry will be backed by longtime partner Atlantic Tiltload Ltd., a leader in specialized hauling and transportation services across Eastern Canada, along with support from TOP Construction Ltd. and Superior Foundations.

A native of Hantsport, Nova Scotia, Butcher 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 a race winner in the ASA STARS National Tour, further cementing his reputation as one of the top short-track talents on the continent.

“I learned a lot in my first NASCAR Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway with HFR. Adjusting from the sim to real life was a big step. The truck feels much narrower than what I’m used to, and running the radial tire is a completely different experience compared to the bias-ply. Every lap was an opportunity to learn and improve, and I’m looking forward to gaining more experience and track time in the series when we head to Phoenix,” Butcher said.

“Cole showed a lot of grit in his debut with us at Bristol in the 62. We’re very proud to partner with Atlantic Tiltload Ltd. and have him back in the seat for the most exciting race of the year,” said Stewart Friesen, co-owner of Halmar Friesen Racing.

The Championship 150 at Phoenix Raceway will serve as the final event of the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, bringing high-intensity racing under the lights as teams battle for the year’s ultimate honors.

MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER JR. TO MAKE NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES DEBUT WITH HALMAR FRIESEN RACING IN TEAM EJP 175 AT NEW HAMPSHIRE

STATESVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 7, 2025) — Michael Christopher Jr. will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut on Saturday, Sept. 20, in the Team EJP 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, driving the No. 62 USNEPower Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Halmar Friesen Racing.

The 25-year-old from Wolcott, Connecticut, is the nephew of the late Modified legend Ted Christopher and the son of veteran driver Michael Christopher Sr. He has built his own name in SK Modifieds and Tour-type Modifieds, with multiple victories at Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway. His debut brings one of New England’s most familiar racing families to NASCAR’s national stage.

“The anticipation leading up to this race has been building for a while now, so it’s almost surreal knowing it’s all about to happen,” Christopher Jr. said. “What’s even better is that it’s on New England’s biggest race weekend, so I’m honored to have my debut in front of the fans, friends, and family I’ve grown up with. Huge thank you goes out to Mohawk Northeast, USNEPower, and the great team at Halmar Friesen Racing. I look forward to making the most of it for all of them.”

Halmar Friesen Racing co-owner Stewart Friesen said:

“We’re excited to have Michael make his Truck Series debut with us at New Hampshire. He’s proven himself in Modifieds against some of the toughest competition in the country, and carrying the Christopher name means something special to fans all across New England. I have been a fan of his for a long time, and we’re proud to give him the chance to showcase his talent on a national stage.”

USNEPower, a leader in electrical apparatus repair and service in the Northeast and Midwest, supporting Medium Voltage and Low Voltage Electrical Apparatus Repairs from fully equipped service centers in Westfield Mass and W. Des Moines, Iowa will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 62 for the Team EJP 175. 

“This sponsorship is more than a logo on a truck,  it’s a connection,” said David J. Miller, principal of USNEPower. “I grew up in the grandstands at Stafford watching Michael Sr. and Teddy Christopher run SKs and Modifieds, and now USNEPower gets to support the next chapter for the Christopher family and the thousands of Friday night Stafford fans. Just like operations and maintenance pros call us in their most critical moments, Michael is calling on us to power his debut on the NASCAR national stage, giving short track fans a local hero to cheer for.”

Christopher and the No. 62 team will hit the track Saturday morning for practice and qualifying. The Team EJP 175 is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET and will air live on FS1.

About Halmar Friesen Racing

Halmar Friesen Racing (HFR) is a full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team fielding the No. 52 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Stewart Friesen and the No. 62 entry for select events. Founded in partnership with Halmar International and Stewart Friesen, the team is based in Statesville, North Carolina, and is recognized for its competitive presence on both dirt and pavement.

About USNEPower

Founded in 2003, USNEPower backs its unequalled field service response with an in-shop service center and impressive component inventory. Prompt response, which is the cornerstone of USNEPower’s operations and a full array of field services, are available from its Westfield Mass and new Midwest operations location in W. Des Moines, IA. USNEPower offers a large amount of services, including Field/Shop Service, Transformer, Voltage Regulator Service, Recloser and Relay Service, Switchgear (MV/LV), Root Cause and Forensic Investigation, Asset Owners Representation during Construction, Fault Locating, Cable Testing, Ground Testing and more.

PHOTO: TOM MORRIS

Cole Butcher to Drive No. 62 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Bristol Motor Speedway

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

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

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.