For Stewart Friesen, racing has always been about family. From his days growing up in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Friesen was crossing the border frequently to attend the racetracks his parents owned at the time, Ransomville Speedway and Lancaster Speedway.

Following a family legacy, Friesen gravitated to go-kart racing as a youth while keeping a close watch on the action in the advanced ranks.

“Growing up at the track, watching the dirt modified and even pavement cars at Lancaster, I was just such a race fan,” Friesen said.

Friesen’s early involvement with racing didn’t necessarily prepare him as a driver away from the track. Despite years of experience with all types of vehicles, including stock cars, Friesen failed his first driver’s license road test, an experience he remembers as being “kind of disheartening.”

Friesen would eventually pass that road test and get his license, maintaining safe driving habits on and off the track.

“Being involved in motorsports and respecting vehicles and their power, and even being able to have that outlet through racing, I never grew up wanting to drag race on the streets or street race or any of that stuff,” Friesen said.

With his unique family experience and close access to the racing lifestyle, Friesen began to wonder if he could have a future as a professional driver. He noticed that some drivers passing through the region were able to make a living through sponsorships and prizes.

Eventually, Friesen would find that same success.

“It turned from just a hobby to racing for some pretty good prize money. And some different car owners gave me a chance, and it snowballed,” Friesen said. “I was able to turn into one of those guys that I grew up watching, being able to make a living in stock car racing and motorsports.”

Today, Friesen competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series as well as dirt modified for Halmar Friesen Racing. Friesen co-owns the team with Chris Larsen, CEO of Halmar International. Currently driving the Toyota Tundra, Friesen has logged over 100 truck series races with two wins and 60-plus top 10 finishes.

Friesen’s teammates include NASCAR Cup Series veteran Todd Bodine, as well as Jessica Friesen, who happens to be Stewart Friesen’s wife. Jessica also grew up around racing, competing in go-karts in her hometown of Sprakers, NY. The two met through the regional racing scene, eventually marrying, having a son, and opening a screenprinting business, One Zee Tees.

The Friesens have competed against one another, even finishing a race first and second shortly after their wedding. But Stewart Friesen finds his wife to be a great teammate before and after the race.

“She’s really, really analytical when it comes to set up, and the handling of the cars, and all those aspects,” he said.

 

New York’s Racing Scene is Heating Up

You might be familiar with Watkins Glen International, the famous NASCAR Cup Series stop near Seneca Lake. But did you know that there are dozens of racetracks throughout the region where talents like Stewart and Jessica Friesen have their roots and continue to compete today?

For the uninitiated, Friesen said attending regional races is an inclusive, interactive experience.

“The fans like to get there early and get together in the parking lot. They have a good time together, and they get to watch some great auto racing,” he said.

 

Here are a few of the regional racetracks to check out this summer: 

 Ransomville Speedway 

2315 Braley Road 

Ransomville, NY 14131 

Ransomvillespeedway.com

 

Lancaster Speedway 

57 Gunnville Road 

Lancaster, NY 14086 

Lancastermotorsportspark.com

 

Holland Speedway 

11586 Holland Glenwood Road 

Holland, NY 14080 

Hollandsportscomplex.com

 

Land of Legends Raceway 

2820 Co Road 10  

Canandaigua, NY 13036 

Landoflegendsraceway.com

 

Oswego Speedway 

300 East Albany Street

Oswego, NY 13126

Oswegospeedway.com

 

Outlaw Speedway 

82 Main Street 

Dundee, NY 14837 

Outlawspeedwayllc.com 

 

Utica-Rome Speedway 

5591 NY-5 

Vernon, NY 13476 

Uticaromespeedway.com 
 

Lebanon Valley Speedway 

1746 US-20 

West Lebanon, NY 12195 

Lebanonvalley.com

 

Fonda Speedway 

21 Bridge Street S 

Fonda, NY 12068 

Thefondaspeedway.com

 

Taking a racetrack road trip this summer? If you run into trouble on the way, AAA can be your pit crew. AAA can even service your RV or motorcycle with the RV/motorcycle coverage for just $35 annually! 

AAA RV Coverage