UPDATE 2:00 PM ET: After speaking with numerous crew chiefs, Bob Pockrass posted a photo of what is suspected to be the area of the firewall that NASCAR wasn’t happy with inside the No. 52 truck.
In talking to crew chiefs and others, this is the area that apparently is the issue. Apparently too high. Friesen politely declined comment as did a GMS executive. This photo is of the passenger side floorboard area of truck, taken from the front of the passenger side window. pic.twitter.com/iaNwpAmNWl
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 11, 2019
UPDATE 9:47 AM ET: NASCAR has also announced that due to the confiscation of their primary truck, the No. 52 team will have to start at the rear of the field in tonight’s Buckle up in your Truck 225, regardless of their qualifying position.
UPDATE 9:27 AM ET: It is officially a “Firewall issue” that caused NASCAR to confiscate the primary No. 52 truck reports Bob Pockrass. Nobody ejected from the track from the team and penalties are to be determined. Any penalties could be announced as late as next week.
Firewall issue on the Friesen truck, according to NASCAR. No one ejected from the team. Penalties TBD — possibly not announced until next week — pending further discussion among NASCAR officials. The truck sits outside the #NASCAR hauler. pic.twitter.com/cWfjjQFsc0
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 11, 2019
UPDATE 9:23 AM ET: Bob Pockrass is reporting that Friesen’s backup truck last ran at Chicago a couple of weeks ago in a third-place effort and it will be ready in time for opening practice at 9:35.
Friesen has pulled out his backup, which ran at Chicagoland. It will be ready for first practice. He was allowed to get his seat and safety equipment from the primary, which NASCAR had taken. The primary was a new truck (GMS affiliate). pic.twitter.com/p6C6fWGmwn
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 11, 2019
UPDATE 9:07 AM ET: The Halmar Friesen Racing team has been allowed to take the driver safety and comfort equipment from the truck, according to Chris Knight of Catchfence.
Although no details on why are available yet, it appears that NASCAR did not like something about Stewart Friesen’s No. 52 primary Chevrolet Silverado for Thursday’s Buckle up in your Truck 225 at Kentucky Speedway.
The sanctioning body confiscated the entire truck after opening Truck Series inspection, according to Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass.
Nascar has confiscated the Stewart Friesen primary truck at Kentucky after determining it was unacceptable (no additional details yet).
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 11, 2019
Fox Sports’ Alan Cavanna added that the No. 52 team’s primary truck which was confiscated was a brand new truck that was making it’s first appearance at the race track. It very well could be its last.
The NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series have two (not televised) practice sessions on Thursday at 9:35 AM ET and 11:05 AM ET. Qualifying and the race are also on Thursday.
It’ll be a busy day of playing catch up for the No. 52 team.
As soon as more is known, I will update this story.
