A NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular will make his jump to the Cup Series in a special one-off race.
Stewart Friesen will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut for the Bristol Dirt Race, with backing from longtime Halmar International, who has supported Friesen’s Truck and dirt efforts for years.
“It’s a dream come true to compete in the Cup Series,” said Friesen. “It’s the pinnacle of motorsports in North America. As a race fan myself, it has always been something I’ve dreamed about doing. I’m really excited to work with Kevin Bellicourt as our crew chief. I’ve known him for a few years now since we worked together at GMS Racing. In addition to Kevin, the whole Spire Motorsports group has been very welcoming. There’s some stuff we can take from our dirt experience with the truck at Eldora and apply to the Cup car, to hopefully be very competitive at Bristol. Thanks to Halmar International for coming on board as a partner for this whole deal, and thanks to (Spire Motorsports co-owners) T.J. Puchyr, Jeff Dickerson and the whole group at Spire Motorsports for the opportunity.”
Making his @NASCAR Cup Series debut, @StewartFriesen will be wheelin' the No. 77 in the dirt of @BMSupdates. ? pic.twitter.com/HS6uP9R3xd
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) March 16, 2021
The race marks the first time since 1970 that the NASCAR Cup Series will race on dirt. Friesen has over 330 career wins on dirt, and will instantly become a dark horse to win the Bristol Dirt Race. He won the 2019 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Eldora.
“Stewart Friesen is an outstanding race car driver and his pedigree on dirt speaks for itself,” said Puchyr. “I’ve watched Stewart with great interest over the last several years. He’s won on dirt and on pavement in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, so we feel like he’s the right driver to put in the No. 77 for the Food City Dirt Race. He’s a very talented driver, puts in the work and checks all the boxes. We’re thrilled for him make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in our car and I’m confident he’ll do a good job.”
Fans can see the NASCAR Cup Series hit the dirt for the first time in decades on Sunday, March 28th at 3:30 PM EST on FOX and the FOX Sports App.
