Stewart Friesen Picks Up First Podium Finish In 2018

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In: NASCAR Truck Series News

After a delayed flight from Albany, NY meant he would miss his connecting flight in Detroit, MI to Kansas, Stewart Friesen did what any dedicated driver would do, rented a car and drove overnight to Kansas Speedway for the 37 Days of Kind 250.

A well traveled Friesen arrived at Kansas ready to perform.  Seemingly unfazed by his journey, Friesen piloted the no. 52 Chevy to 5th fastest in practice and an 8th place starting position.

Stewart was one of six race leaders, riding out front for a total of 6 laps. Without a stage win, last Friday’s run netted Friesen 41 championship points, placing him at 7th place in overall points.

Taking the lead with 67 laps remaining, Friesen was thrown a curveball when his shift knob broke off.  The incident lead to Friesen dropping 5 spots. Fortunately he was able to charge back up to 2nd place, battling it out with Kyle Busch. 

Drama came late in the race when Friesen and Busch came together in the final laps. The incident ended with Friesen sending Busch down the apron and onto the infield grass.  Busch was able to recover and ultimately overtake Friesen for 2nd place.

In a post race interview, Friesen apologized to Busch, who was hesitant to immediately accept the apology.  When the opportunity came for a face to face, Friesen expressed his apologies to the veteran Monster Energy Cup driver, to which Busch replied, ‘Yeah, I hear you.’  This is the second time this season that Busch has participated in a NCWTS race and gone head to head with Friesen.

Friesen finished 3rd overall behind Noah Gragson in 1st and Kyle Busch in 2nd.  This is Friesen’s first podium finish of the season and 2nd best finish of his NCWTS career, his first being at Eldora in 2017 where he placed 2nd.  

In a post race interview, Friesen was asked if he felt it was only a matter of time before he picked up a win in the NCWTS to which he replied “Wins are tough no matter what division you’re racing in, they’re hard to come by. You can be the best of the best and be great all night and then you know something just not go your way…”

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