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.