By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Halmar Friesen Racing announced on Tuesday morning that the 2020 NASCAR season will bring new beginnings for the organization. Stewart Friesen will chase the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Championship in the No. 52 as HFR makes the move to Toyota next season with support from Toyota Racing Development.
“We were all very impressed after spending time with Toyota,” Friesen said in a team press release. “TRD has been welcoming to our organization. With their support, knowledge and technology, we hope to bring our team to another level.”
In addition, HFR will have a new shop in Statesville, North Carolina and will purchase their trucks from Kyle Busch Motorsports.
“Through this transition, we’ve been able to retain several members of our team from last season,” Friesen said. “They’ve remained loyal to us and have new energy going into 2020.”
Tripp Bruce will return to HFR as Crew Chief next season with Gene Nead as the teams Competition Director.
“The championship is our goal,” said Team Principle Chris Larsen in a team press release. “Making it to the ‘Final Four’ was an accomplishment, but we’re all competitive. You want to be sitting at the head table at the series banquet. We’re working to be that team.”
Driver Stewart Friesen saw a successful 2019 earning his first career victory in the truck series at Eldora Speedway in August. Friesen went on to win at ISM Raceway (Phoenix) in November as well.
In 23 events, in addition to his two victories, Friesen further earned 12 top-five, 16 top-10 finishes and placed fourth in the points standings.