This Friday night at Richmond International Raceway, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Kaden Honeycutt will make his third start for a third different team in as many races.
Honeycutt, currently ninth in Playoff standings, will drive the No. 52 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing for the first time at Richmond. Three races ago, Honeycutt was still the full-time driver in the No. 45 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports.
Last week at Watkins Glen, Honeycutt drove a one-off race for Young’s Motorsports in their No. 02 Chevrolet.
That came about because Honeycutt informed Niece he signed with another team, believed to be Tricon Garage in its No. 11 Toyota, after the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park race. The team and driver parted ways immediately, leaving Honeycutt without a ride.
“My plan is to continue to contend for race wins and position myself to make the playoffs this season,” he said via a personal statement. “I look forward to sharing my plans for the remainder of 2025 and beyond in the near future.
The deal with Young’s was put together so he wouldn’t miss a race after the Niece deal ended, and help him earn points toward making the Playoffs. Richmond is the final race of the series’ regular season and only 10 drivers will be eligible after the checkered flag falls.
Near Future is Now
Friesen qualified for the Playoffs with his victory at Michigan International Speedway in June. It was his first victory of the season, and first since 2022. However, the fate of his season changed when he sustained significant injuries from a horrific wreck in his No. 44 Big Block Modified during a race in Quebec, CAN on July 28.
A fractured pelvis and two breaks in his right leg required surgery with extensive rehab to follow. As a result, he had to step away from his No. 52 HFR ride for the remainder of 2025.
On August 5 it was that Honeycutt, the 2024 Car Tour Pro Late Model Champions and Snowball Derby winner, would take over for the injured Friesen. Have a driver already in the top-10 points positions also helped with HFR’s decision.
Honeycutt Ready to Challenge for Championship
“While I continue to recover, it was important for us to put someone in our truck that can help us compete at the highest level,” Friesen said via a team release. “I know Kaden will deliver strong performance in our truck and allow us to continue to run for the owner’s championship.”
While his status to remain in the top-10 Playoff drivers is under consideration via a waiver, Honeycutt knows what he needs to do for a chance at the driver’s championship.
“It’s an honor to be able to fill in for Stewart for the rest of the season and help give his team a chance at the owner’s championship, which they earned,” Honeycutt said. “I’m excited to compete in contending, race-winning equipment as I pursue a title this season.
“We are going to work hard to have a solid final eight races of the season and continue to deliver great results for Stewart, his family and this organization.”
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