Who is Stewart Friesen’s wife Jessica? 5 things to know about the dirt track racer

Stewart Friesen made headlines after a surprising win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Michigan International Speedway. Outside NASCAR, Friesen is a dirt racecar driver and a family man married to Jessica, a fellow dirt racer competing in sprint car racing.

Jessica Zemken-Friesen started racing at a young age and won five track championships and over 100 features at 14. The New York native also got her hands on NASCAR Trucks and competed alongside her husband at Knoxville Raceway.

With a long season ahead of Stewart Friesen, including a playoff appearance, the family of dirt racers will be in NASCAR's spotlight for a while. For that, here are five things to know about Jessica Zemken-Friesen.

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1. Two NASCAR Truck Series starts in five attempts

Jessica Friesen attempted to qualify in five NASCAR Truck Series races in the #62 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing, a race team Stewart Friesen owns. However, she only made two races, both at Knoxville Raceway in 2021 and 2022.

Jessica Friesen driving the #62 Toyota in the 2021 Corn Belt 150 - Source: Imagn

The other races she didn't qualify for were on the dirt track of the Bristol Motor Speedway. Rain spoiled her attempt in 2021, preventing her from putting down a lap to make the entry list.

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2. Marriage and family

Jessica Zemken-Friesen married Stewart Friesen in 2014, before the latter debuted in NASCAR's third-tier series two years later. They were long-time competitors in the dirt racing world, where her husband has won almost 400 races since 1999.

The couple shares one son named Parker. Their son was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, prompting Jessica Friesen to run fewer races to look after him.

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3. Outstanding Woman in Racing award

During the 2009 Northeast Modified Hall of Fame ceremony, Jessica Zemken-Friesen was handed the “Outstanding Woman in Racing” award. She was recognized for her versatility, as she competed and won in different racing series.

The now 38-year-old ran races in the modified, sportsman, sprint car, and midget divisions. In 2006, her racing prowess got the attention of Jack Roush, owner of Roush Racing (now RFK Racing), who scheduled meetings with her to discuss her future.

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4. The second married couple to race in NASCAR

After Jessica Friesen failed to qualify for the Bristol dirt race in 2021, she made history by racing alongside her husband, Stewart Friesen, at Knoxville Speedway. They became the first married couple to do so since Patty Moise and Elton Sawyer in the Xfinity Series.

During the 2021 Corn Belt 150 at Knoxville, Jessica Friesen finished in 26th place ahead of Stewart Friesen in 27th. The race was also graced by NASCAR drivers such as Todd Gilliland, Sheldon Creed, and Carson Hocevar.

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5. Tony Stewart Racing

Jessica Friesen joined Tony Stewart Racing in 2010. She competed in the World of Outlaws and All-Star Circuit of Champions with the 1z team, which was a satellite team receiving technical support from TSR.

She also dated Tony Stewart in 2011. Today, Stewart has left NASCAR and competes in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).