Tommy Baldwin Takes Risk and Forms Own CupTeam

by 4ever3 on Jan 8, 2009 12:00 AM EST Comment 3 comments

Tommy Baldwin rises from the ashes of the economic fire that hit NASCAR at the end of the season and starts his own team while other owners are down-sizing their teams and staff, merging together other teams, or pleading guilty to tax fraud.

In my opinion Baldwin is either one shrewd business man or he is a few fries short of a Happy Meal for trying to do this during these economic times - but then again this is coming from a guy who is seriously considering buying stock in General Motors so if Baldwin is a few fries short I must be missing the whole freakin' meal deal myself.

Right now NASCAR - like GM - needs people to take risks to help the sport to continue to grow and remain competitive and get past the current economic troubles.

I applaud Baldwin for taking this chance and even if he isn't successful, and fails, he will find a home elsewhere in the NASCAR community faster than a qualifying lap at Bristol because people will remember what he did and the jobs he provided when they were needed.

Photo Credit: nascar.com

0 recs | Comment 3 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

My friend, I don't think you're missing the "whole freakin meal deal." You probably still have a little ketsup and musterd on the corners of your mouth! Seriously though, I applaud Tommy for taking the risk during these economic times. On Foxsports.com Tommy says he can run competitively with low overhead, allowing for new sponsorship with minimal costs. If he can get that sponsorship, strong motors from Joey Arrington, and a driver (Bobby Lebonte comes to mind) I think he will be more siccessful than Tony Stewart and his new team. Tommy is a brilliant crew chief, has taken Ward Burton to victory lane in the Daytona 500, and Kasey Kane to rookie of the year. He has the ability, a new team, and a new fan.

by Timothy Tillman on Jan 8, 2009 10:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I applaud Baldwin's willingness to gamble, but this is not the time to form a brand new team with zero infrastructure. No testing, no credit and few sponsors available.

by Mike on Jan 8, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I also must commend Baldwin on his decision. I hope he knows what he's getting himself into. If you want to compare NASCAR to the stock market, yes it's a great time to buy. With an unstable economy, good luck trying to find sponsors, however there are a lot of big-name drivers out there looking for a ride. It's a very ballsy move, but that kind of stuff needs to be done to keep this sport alive. I don't like the fact that he's coping out and picking up Bill Davis's Toyotas. That move looks good from the condition that American manufacturers are in, but it sure won't help his team in the fan department. Baldwin is a smart guy, and I agree, that even if this doesn't work out, he won't be out of work.

by Joe B on Jan 11, 2009 5:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs