For Stewart Friesen, the drama in Kentucky began before he even touched the surface of the 1.5 mile speedway. NASCAR took the No. 52 primary truck just before practice this morning, citing a firewall issue.
Friesen’s team will be forced to go to a backup truck, which was raced a couple of weeks ago in Chicago, finishing 3rd.
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
Per usual, NASCAR uncovered the vehicle-in-question for the garage to see.
51-crew chief Rudy Fugle came right over and took a picture on the interior pic.twitter.com/MdDCAZkLpG
— Alan Cavanna (@AlanCavanna) July 11, 2019
Stewart Friesen currently sits second in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series points standings. He’s come oh-so-close to picking up that first career win twice this season, finishing second to Kyle Busch at Texas and running out of gas while leading in Kansas.
For tonight, he’ll have to come from the rear of the field to try and get that elusive first checkered flag.