Stewart Friesen plans to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut March 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway as driver of the #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet.
“It’s a dream come true to compete in the Cup Series,” Friesen said. “It’s the pinnacle of motorsports in North America. As a race fan myself, it has always been something I’ve dreamed about doing. I’m really excited to work with Kevin Bellicourt as our crew chief. I’ve known him for a few years now since we worked together at GMS Racing. In addition to Kevin, the whole Spire Motorsports group has been very welcoming. There’s some stuff we can take from our dirt experience with the truck at Eldora and apply to the Cup car to, hopefully, be very competitive at Bristol. Thanks to Halmar International for coming on board as a partner for this whole deal, and thanks to [Spire Motorsports co-owners] T.J. Puchyr, Jeff Dickerson and the whole group at Spire Motorsports for the opportunity.”
Kevin Bellicourt, who is in his first year as a Cup Series crew chief, will be Friesen’s crew chief. Bellicourt has worked with drivers Jamie McMurray and Justin Haley, so far, on the #77 team. McMurray drove the car in the season-opening Daytona 500 and Haley has driven in in all other 2021 Cup Series races, so far.
Friesen is a regular in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series where he has two wins in 96 races, including a win on the dirt of Eldora Speedway in 2019. His other win came at Phoenix Raceway, also in 2019.
Friesen has a dirt-racing background that includes more than 330 dirt modified wins.
“Stewart Friesen is an outstanding race car driver, and his pedigree on dirt speaks for itself,” Spire Motorsports co-owner T.J. Puchyr said. “I’ve watched Stewart with great interest over the last several years. He’s won on dirt and on pavement in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, so we feel like he’s the right driver to put in the No. 77 for the Food City Dirt Race. He’s a very talented driver, puts in the work and checks all the boxes. We’re thrilled for him make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in our car and I’m confident he’ll do a good job.”
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