Jessica Friesen
Dirt Oval racing // New York, USA
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Jessica Friesen claimed five track championships and over 100 feature wins by age 14, later earning Modified division victories and two NASCAR Truck Series starts while balancing motherhood.
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If somebody tells me I can’t do it or I’m not going to be good at it I’m just going to try harder at it and work harder… I feel like I definitely got that from my dad
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FULL BIO: Jessica Friesen
Jessica Friesen is a dirt track racer who’s mastered the art of balancing motherhood with a fierce competitive spirit, proving that some women can have it all—even if it means making victory lane a family affair.
EARLY YEARS
Born Jessica L. Zemken on May 6, 1986, in New York, Jessica discovered her need for speed early, starting in go-karts before graduating to her father’s backup Sportsman car at just 14 years old. Her dad didn’t just hand her the keys—he handed her a mentality. “If somebody tells me I can’t do it or I’m not going to be good at it I’m just going to try harder at it and work harder… I feel like I definitely got that from my dad,” she’s said. That stubborn streak would serve her well in a sport where being told “no” comes with the territory, especially when you’re a teenage girl showing up to the track.
OTHER INTERESTS
When she’s not behind the wheel, Jessica runs a T-shirt printing business with her husband Stewart Friesen—because apparently, one high-stress, detail-oriented career isn’t enough. The family business takes priority over racing these days, a practical decision that shows Jessica understands the difference between passion and paying the bills. She’s also a devoted mother to son Parker, who gets emotional watching his mom cry happy tears in victory lane.
EARLY SUCCESS
By age 14, Jessica had already accomplished what many racers spend decades chasing: five track championships and over 100 feature wins. She claimed the Udak Corome track championship in the Sportsman division at Fonda Speedway in 2004, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with on New York’s dirt tracks. This wasn’t beginner’s luck—this was a young woman who understood that talent without work ethic gets you nowhere, and she had both in spades.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2004: Udak Corome Track Championship, Sportsman division, Fonda Speedway
- Early career: Five track championships and over 100 feature wins by age 14
- Undated: Sportsman Championship at Utica Rome Speedway
- 2021-2022: Two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts driving the #62 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing
- 2023: First Modified division wins at Utica-Rome Speedway (May) and Fonda Speedway (July)
INSPIRATIONS
Jessica’s biggest inspiration remains her father, who instilled the “try harder” mentality that’s carried her through every challenge. Her approach to racing was shaped by his belief that proving doubters wrong isn’t just satisfying—it’s essential. While she hasn’t publicly cited specific racing heroes, her philosophy suggests she’s inspired more by the grind than the glory, more by the process than the podium.
REPUTATION
In the racing community, Jessica is respected as a competitive dirt track racer who’s never let motherhood soften her edge. She’s known for her resilience and her ability to return successfully after taking time away from racing. The media coverage consistently highlights her dual role as mother and racer, but Jessica herself keeps it real: she’s mom first, businesswoman second, and racer when time allows. Her 2023 victories marked her first wins since becoming a mother, and the emotion was genuine—these weren’t just wins, they were proof that she hadn’t lost her touch.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Jessica’s future plans prioritize family and business over full-time professional racing. While she made attempts in the NASCAR Truck Series, qualifying for only two of five attempted races, she’s realistic about her priorities. “First, I’m a mom. My son comes first. Our business comes second,” she’s stated. She continues to race competitively when opportunities align with her family commitments, but she’s not chasing a full-time NASCAR career—she’s building a life that works for everyone under the Friesen roof.
References:
Racing Reference – Jessica Friesen NASCAR Statistics
Dirt Track Digest – Jessica Friesen Returns to Victory Lane
Speed Sport – Jessica Friesen Balances Racing and Motherhood
YouTube Interview – Jessica Friesen Racing Background
Wikipedia – Jessica Friesen
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