MODIFIED RACING LOSES TOM BALDWIN SR

MODIFIED RACING LOSES TOM BALDWIN SR.

Mike Twist snapped this photo of Baldwin just as the cars were getting ready to go out and qualify. He was smiling as always. (51 Photos) 8/19/04

8-20-04
Tom Baldwin Dies After a Crash at Thompson
FROM MODSERIESSCENE.COM

THOMPSON, CT A racing accident that occurred in the early stages of a 150- lap NASCAR Featherlite Modified series race at the Thompson International Speedway claimed the life of veteran NASCAR driver, Tom Baldwin of Moriches, NY.

"Everyone at Thompson Speedway is saddened at the loss of Tom Baldwin. Tom was long-time competitor in the NASCAR Modified division and was a very close, personal friend, said track owner, Don Hoenig. Words cannot express our sorrow at this time. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. We also express or sympathy to the many fans that followed Tom's racing career. For more than 30 years, he thrilled crowds with his hard charging and exciting driving style. The entire racing community will miss him greatly," Hoenig concluded.

Mr. Baldwin was taken by ambulance to the Hubbard Regional Hospital in Webster, MA where he was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.

Connecticut State Police and NASCAR officials are investigating the accident. Connecticut State Police have said that the investigation remains open and active at this time.

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"Tom Baldwin, Sr. was known as a fierce and respected competitor throughout the NASCAR community. We are keeping the Baldwin family in our prayers."

About Tom Baldwin, Sr.

Tom Baldwin, Sr. (born March 14, 1947) began his racing career at Riverhead Raceway, Long Island, N. Y., in 1964. He started running the NASCAR Modified Series when it was formed in 1985. He had six career wins on the Tour and his highest finish in the point standings was third in 1992. One of his biggest wins was the Carquest 300 at Stafford Motor Speedway in 1996. He won the NASCAR Modified Series' Most Popular Driver Award in 2003. Baldwin Raced for 40 years, driving stock cars of every description, as well as midgets, sprints, super modifieds and modifieds. Baldwin is survived by his daughter Tammy, and son, Tom Jr., who is the crew chief on Kasey Kahne's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team.