19-year-old Luke Baldwin is a back-to-back SMART Modified Tour champion and the youngest two-time champion in sequence historical past. He has deep roots within the racing world by way of his father and grandfather, and is a promising younger racer himself.
“Martinsville has all the time meant quite a bit to my household, so to have my very own alternative on the observe is unquestionably particular,” stated Baldwin. “It’s a spot the place I’ve a good degree of consolation by way of really feel and what I want within the racecar to make a quick lap. It’s tight, it’s bodily, and you must race sensible to be there on the finish. I’ve been lucky to have some good experiences there already, so the objective is to lean on that and continue to learn all through the race.”
Final yr, Baldwin was a part of an effort that earned Rick Ware Racing a proprietor’s title within the zMAX CARS Tour Professional Late Mannequin division, successful two races whereas behind the wheel.
“I’m actually pleased with what we completed final season,” continued Baldwin. “Successful back-to-back SMART Modified Tour championships takes a variety of laborious work from lots of people, and having the ability to assist RWR win a CARS Tour house owners’ title made it much more particular. Alternatives like this don’t come round with out outcomes, so I’m actually grateful for everybody who’s helped me get thus far.”
Baldwin made 5 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Sequence begins in 2025 and is ready to greater than double that effort in 2026 with a 12-race stint for Workforce Reaume. His first begin of the yr in NCTS shall be at Rockingham subsequent weekend.
“It is a actually good option to head into Rockingham,” added Baldwin. “The O’Reilly Sequence is a step up in competitors, and Martinsville is a spot that actually challenges you as a driver. There’s quite a bit to be taught in a brief period of time, and that’s the way it’ll be at Rockingham, too. A stable weekend at Martinsville is one of the best preparation for subsequent week’s Truck race.”
Chris Hettinger stated of including Baldwin to the crew’s NOAPS lineup: “With all that Luke has achieved of late, lots of people have their eyes on him. We’re proud to be those he selected to make his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Elements Sequence debut The O’Reilly Sequence is an enormous step up, however Martinsville is a flat and quick quick observe, and it’s the type of place the place Luke has excelled. He’s confirmed he can adapt shortly and run up entrance driving every kind of vehicles. Martinsville is the appropriate observe and that is the appropriate time for Luke to have this chance.”
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