Tommy Baldwin Jr. reflects on his son Luke’s Truck race debut after ‘undeserved’ finish at Martinsville

Modified Mar 29, 2025 16:51 GMT

NASCAR: Daytona 500 - Source: Imagn — Tommy Baldwin Jr. at Daytona International Speedway on Feb 21, 2016. Image: Imagn

NASCAR veteran crew chief Tommy Baldwin Jr. recently reacted to his son, Luke Baldwin's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Martinsville Speedway this Friday. Luke, 18, qualified outside the 25th spot, driving the No. 66 Ford F-150 for ThorSport Racing and finished in 22nd place. He was also involved in an incident after he hit the curb and spun as the final stage started at the 0.526-mile speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia.

Tommy Baldwin Jr. is a Daytona 500-winning crew chief and team majority owner of Tommy Baldwin Racing. The 58-year-old shared his thoughts on Luke's performance on X as he wrote:

"Didn’t get the finish he deserved in his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut, but Luke definitely showed he can wheel it. Two more Truck races with ThorSport Racing still to go this year!!! Thank you Mohawk Northeast, Inc.!! 🤘"

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Luke Baldwin won the SMART Modified Tour championship and also took home the 602 Modified title at the World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway last year. He moved to NASCAR’s national level with long-time sponsor Mohawk Northeast, Inc. Luke will race in two more Truck Series races at Kansas Speedway on May 10 and North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17.

Luke will also drive the No. 7NY for Tommy Baldwin Racing in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour this year. They announced that the 18-year-old will race in at least 12 events and and compete for Rookie of the Year.

Meanwhile, Daniel Hemric won the 2025 Blue Ridge 200 at Martinsville Speedway on Friday (March 28). The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will travel to Bristol Motor Speedway for the sixth race of the season.

Tommy Baldwin Jr. involved in heated argument after son’s crash

Tommy Baldwin Jr. was involved in a heated argument at a race at South Boston Speedway earlier this week. It started after a crash during the SMART Modified Tour King of the Modifieds involving his eldest son, Jack Baldwin and Tomaino Racing's Jake Crum. Baldwin said he was just checking on his son when things got out of hand as he said (via FloRacing):

"I've had enough of you motherf******s!"

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Tommy Baldwin Jr. helped Ward Burton win the 2002 Daytona 500 as a crew chief. He worked the role for 629 races and started a NASCAR Cup Series team, Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) in 2009 with the No. 36 car. His team struggled with money and used volunteer crew members with unsponsored cars in the early year. After driver Scott Riggs left, Baldwin used multiple drivers including Alex Bowman, Danica Patrick and Michael McDowell. Dave Blaney became the team's full-time driver in 2011.

TBR’s best Cup finish was third place twice, in 2011 and 2016. It also won the 2022 Modified championship with Doug Coby.

About the author

Palak Gupta is a dynamic motorsports writer with a unique blend of experience in economics and a passion for storytelling. Her enthusiasm for writing and a keen interest in racing steered her toward this field. With two years of professional writing experience, Palak has previously worked with Bhoomi, a non-profit organization, and as a content executive at MoreTasks Business Solution.

To maintain accuracy and uphold journalistic integrity, Palak relies on reputable sources such as official websites, trusted news outlets, and credible channels, while also keeping an eye on trends across social media platforms and forums like Reddit. She actively follows developments in motorsports, constantly seeking unique angles for her stories to deliver fresh and engaging content to her readers.

Inspired by Ross Chastain’s unconventional yet spectacular wall ride during the 2022 NASCAR season, Palak appreciates daring moves that defy norms and capture the spirit of motorsports. Although she doesn't have a favorite driver, she admires such moments that make history.

While she recognizes that NASCAR may never reach the global prominence of Formula 1, Palak suggests expanding internationally and investing in technology to grow its audience. Palak is also an avid movie and documentary enthusiast, enjoys gardening, and loves to sketch and paint in her spare time.

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Edited by Luke Koshi