UPDATE as of March 29th, 2024 at 2:45 PM ET: Garrett Smithley will drive the No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Richmond Raceway, the organization confirmed via social media on Friday, replacing Morgen Baird, who traveled home to Michigan to be with his fiancé as she is induced into labor.
As we prepare for this weekend's race at @RichmondRaceway, our thoughts, support, and prayers are with @MorgenBaird, Victoria, and their growing family.
While Morgen focuses on what truly matters most right now, we're grateful to have @GarrettSmithley stepping in to drive the #6… pic.twitter.com/oNhfrtKVT3
— JD Motorsports (@JDMotorsports01) March 29, 2024
Morgen Baird, originally scheduled to pilot the No. 6 Long Drink Chevrolet Camaro for JD Motorsports in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Richmond Raceway, will have to postpone his debut, as he returns home to be with his fiancé Victoria, as she is induced into labor.
In a statement, posted to social media on Friday, Baird said the following:
“While on my way to Richmond for this weekend’s Xfinity race, I received an urgent call from my fiancé, Victoria, stating that she was ordered by doctors to be induced for labor immediately due to the lack of blood flow our baby boy was receiving while in the womb, along with measuring smaller than normal. His heart rate has been down throughout the last day or so, compounding the issue. I returned to Michigan to be by her side as we wait for our son to arrive. What is most important to me is the arrival of a safe and healthy baby boy and a safe delivery for Victoria.”
— Morgen John Baird (@MorgenBaird) March 29, 2024
“I would like to thank JD Motorsports and all of my sponsors as we navigate through this situation,” Baird added. “Everyone has been supportive throughout this process and the last-minute changes. Unfortunately, I will not be in Richmond to make my debut in the Xfinity Series this weekend, but I am working with the team/sponsors to announce another race at a later date.”
Baird was originally scheduled to join Taylor Gray (#19), Bubba Pollard (#88), and Logan Bearden (#14) as one of four drivers set to make their debuts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, due to these unforeseen circumstances, his debut in the second-tier series will need to be postponed.
As of the time of publishing, JD Motorsports has yet to announce its plans for this weekend’s event at Richmond Raceway, whether that be withdrawing the No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro or finding a driver to take over the seat vacated by Baird.
TobyChristie.com has reached out to JD Motorsports for comment on the situation, as well as a rundown of what the organization is planning to do for Saturday’s Toyota Care 250 at Richmond Raceway. At the time of posting this story, no response had been given.
