Tommy Baldwin Jr., the former team owner in the NASCAR Cup Series that currently fields a full-time entry in the Whelen Modified Tour and is the competition director in Rick Ware Racing, recently announced some heartbreaking news. Baldwin took to his social media and announced he has been diagnosed with cancer. And because of that, his time in the Whelen Modified Tour has also come to an end for the time being.
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Baldwin posted a long note on his X profile where he not only updated his followers on his current situation but also on the consequences it will lead to in his engagement. Along with that, he also sent a powerful message about taking care of one’s loved ones ‘before it’s too late.’
Tommy Baldwin Jr. announces he has cancer
Baldwin posted a screenshot of a note on his X profile in which he announced the news “no one ever wants to hear.” “I have cancer,” he wrote. But Baldwin added that it is treatable. Yet it will change his involvement with NASCAR.
“This week of racing will be the last for a while for the Tommy Baldwin Racing team. Going to take a break & begin treatment to beat it into the ground.”
The former Cup Series owner claimed that this was not “a post for pity,” but one in which he advised that if one doesn’t feel right, one should visit a doctor instead of waiting. “If I can save one life by posting this, I have done my job. Never be scared to go see the doctor – it could save your life. Take the message & share it with those you love before it’s too late. I will beat this challenge like every other. The grind begins now,” he continued.
“Thanks to everyone for the support. See you all at the track as soon as possible.”
— Tommy Baldwin Racing (@TBR7NY) August 20, 2023
NASCAR community comes in support of one of their own
After Baldwin announced the unfortunate news of his cancer diagnosis, an outpour of support came from the NASCAR community and the fans. It’s worth mentioning that years ago, in 2009, Baldwin entered the NASCAR Cup Series as an owner and was running in the sport until 2020.
Along with that, he was also a crew chief for 629 Cup races with 5 wins, including a Daytona 500 in 2002.
Hey Tommy it’s Chocolate. Just got through 6 months of intense chemo. It was pretty tough. Some days better than others. But treatment is kinda like the racing season. It goes by pretty fast. If you need me, Beth knows how to get in touch.
— Danny Chocolate Myers (@chocolatemyers3) August 21, 2023
Prayers for you 🙏🙏
— Patrick Brown (@Patrick83657704) August 21, 2023
Praying for you man you got this 💪🏽🙏🏻
— Leland Honeyman Jr (@Lelandhoneymnjr) August 21, 2023
The TBR 7 and 36 Cup teams welcomed me onto their shop floor in July 2013. They were thrilled that we stopped by. I’ve got pictures of some post-Daytona chassis on my old phone. Please keep us updated!
— NASCAR Guy (@MegaDriver86) August 20, 2023
At this point, we, much like everyone in the NASCAR community as well as the fans, would hope for a safe and speedy recovery for Tommy Baldwin Jr., so that he can come back to racing, doing what he loves.
But more importantly than that, so that he can lead a healthy life once again around his family and friends.
