NASCAR releases statement in support of team owner Tommy Baldwin Jr. following cancer diagnosis

Over the weekend, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team owner Tommy Baldwin Jr. announced he had been given a cancer diagnosis. Baldwin and his family have deep ties to racing and NASCAR.

Tommy Baldwin Racing is probably familiar for those that have been watching NASCAR for a while. The team used to have a Cup Series organization and they had some big-name drivers throughout the years. David Reutimann and Dave Blaney drove for the team. Alex Bowman and Regan Smith both wheeled the No. 7 at different times.

However, right now, Tommy Baldwin Jr. is going through one of the hardest fights of his life. The team owner and 2022 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour owners champion detailed his diagnosis online on Sunday.

“I will beat this challenge like every other,” Baldwin Jr. wrote. “The grind begins now! Thanks to everyone for the support. See you all at the track as soon as possible.”

NASCAR gave a statement to Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports on the matter.

“Tommy Baldwin Jr. is a fighter, and NASCAR joins him in this fight, and fully supports his decision to concentrate on his treatment,” NASCAR stated. “We wish him well, and our thoughts and prayers are with Tommy and his loved ones at this time.”

NASCAR statement: “Tommy Baldwin Jr. is a fighter, and NASCAR joins him in this fight, and fully supports his decision to concentrate on his treatment. We wish him well, and our thoughts and prayers are with Tommy and his loved ones at this time.” https://t.co/LSEVmebMPB

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 21, 2023

Of course, NASCAR fans and others in the industry reached out to Tommy Baldwin Jr. following the announcement. Racing is a pretty tight-knit industry and news like this moves quickly. With all of the drivers that TBR has helped and employed over the years, Baldwin will have all the support he needs for his new challenge.

Tommy Baldwin Jr. does things his own way

The son of a modified champion, Tommy Baldwin Jr. has come up in NASCAR on his own terms. He has never taken the easy way. While he tried his hand at driving, Baldwin soon found his niche in the garage as a mechanic. That led to more opportunities and eventually, team ownership.

Baldwin has worked as a crew chief, mechanic, owner, driver, and probably most jobs in NASCAR during his career. During April of the 2023 Cup Series season, Baldwin was named the new competition director at Rick Ware Racing.

Not only a champion in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, TBR went on to win the 2022 SMART Modified Tour Driver and Owner’s championships.

Tommy Baldwin Jr. is going to do his best to battle through adversity, and make his way to the track as soon as he can.