Rick Ware Racing has officially named Tommy Baldwin – a long-time crew chief and team owner in NASCAR’s top-three series – to the position of Competition Director for the organization’s two-car NASCAR Cup Series effort.
A native of Belport, New York, Baldwin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his brand-new position with the organization, having spent a decade in the NASCAR Cup Series as the owner of Tommy Baldwin Racing.
In addition to his ownership experience, Baldwin is also a five-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series as a crew chief, including a victory in the 2002 Daytona 500 with Ward Burton and Bill Davis Racing.
Baldwin’s latest role as a crew chief came in 2020, when Tommy Baldwin Racing re-launched its NASCAR Cup Series program on a part-time basis with several different drivers, including JJ Yeley, Reed Sorenson, and Josh Bilicki.
“What I like about Rick Ware is he’s a racer, pure and simple,” said Baldwin. “If it goes fast on two or four wheels, he wants to be part of it in some capacity. I’m a third-generation racer and understand what it’s like to run and operate a team. I’ve known Rick and Robby a long time and this is a role I’m looking forward to with the team.”
Rick Ware Racing currently holds a pair of charters in the NASCAR Cup Series, fielding both the No. 15 and No. 51 Ford Mustangs on a full-time basis, with several drivers set to compete in both entries in 2023.
“My immediate goals are to see how we can improve now, and how it can continue growing into the future. This team has a lot of determination and talent, we just need to start putting the numbers on the board to show it all.”
Baldwin’s first event in his new role as Competition Director came last weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, where JJ Yeley and Matt Crafton both qualified inside the top-25, with the No. 15 starting third, before dropping to 20th after 250 laps.
“Tommy [Baldwin] and I had discussed him joining us before, but we didn’t have the tools, infrastructure, and support in place like we do currently,” said Rick Ware, owner of Rick Ware Racing. “Now we have what’s needed to utilize someone with his racing pedigree. This is a healthy move for our team and he’s already making an impact with all he brings to Rick Ware Racing.”
This weekend at Martinsville Speedway, JJ Yeley and defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Zane Smith will get behind the wheel of the organization’s two entries, in hopes of bringing home solid results at the end of 400 laps.
