Is Tommy Baldwin crazy or brilliant?
Last week, former crew chief Tommy Baldwin revealed his plans to start his own Sprint Cup operation…seriously. Why would he jump into an ownership role this close to the beginning of the season and when the economy is in disorder? Oh yeah, he does not have a sponsor or a driver lined up either. Rumors have Dave Blaney in the car, but nothing is confirmed.
The New York native and former racer feels as if it is the perfect time to begin his new role as owner of Tommy Baldwin Racing.
“With tough economic times upon us, the timing for starting this team is right. Our overhead is low and we have a great group of talented mechanics and specialists to choose from. We can offer sponsors the chance to get into NASCAR Sprint Cup racing at a fraction of the costs, without compromising on-track performance due to our low overhead,” Baldwin said in a statement.
At first glance, this is a preposterous idea. Of course, it is no newsflash that the struggling economy has harshly impacted many in the sport. More sponsors are leaving NASCAR than coming in. But it is more than just the economy. It takes millions on top of millions of dollars to succeed, which means that you need sponsors and manufacturing support. You need the seamless combination of personnel, from the tire changers to the engineering department. There is much more, but I will not pretend know the magic formula as to what makes a team ultra successful, just logical assumptions.
Many former team owners such as Cal Wells or Beth Ann Morgantheau, who entered the sport when the economy was stable, will attest to the fact that ownership in NASCAR highest division is not as simple as it may appear. Wells and Morgantheau are just a small fraction of owners that discovered the hardships of owning a Sprint Cup operation.
Baldwin is a racer so he should have an edge, right? Other racers have endured the difficulties of ownership. Darrell Waltrip, Ricky Rudd, Cale Yarborough, Bill Elliott, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Andy Petree all proved to be phenomenal racers, but none of the respective teams are in the sport today. It takes more than just the ‘racer’s touch’ to administer a Sprint Cup team.
However, judging by Baldwin’s statement, he is not jumping into this with a blindfold on. He seems to know what he is doing and what to expect. His comments were so convincing, I almost went out started my own Cup team. Not really, but there are hundreds of mechanics and specialists that have been laid off that are willing to join Baldwin in this venture, even if it means a significant pay cut. Any paycheck is better than none at all. Most of the laid off employees love the sport and want to be a part of it in some capacity. He will be able to hand pick his staff from a group of talented people, something he would not have been able to do when the economy was stable, and jobs were more secure.
Because this is a new venture, Baldwin should have little or no debt, so all earnings go back into the team instead of in a separate account designated to pay back loans.
He mentioned that a sponsor would not have to shell out millions upon millions of dollars. Companies can advertise with the team for an abnormally low cost in today’s NASCAR.
Of course you have the driver to consider. Baldwin will likely pick a veteran who is less likely to tear up equipment, like a Dave Blaney. Blaney and Baldwin have worked together at Bill Davis Racing. Jeremy Mayfield is another veteran who would unlikely demand a Dale Earnhardt Jr-like salary. Mayfield may not have the best reputation in the garage, but he does not tear up equipment. He usually finishes the race in one piece. He and Baldwin worked together for a season at Bill Davis Racing, and they were at Evernham Motorsports at the same time in 2004, though separate teams. Ward Burton and Tony Raines are available as well. It would behoove Baldwin to steer clear of a young gun who has minimal experience.
Tommy Baldwin Racing is not a threat to Hendrick or Roush, as he will likely lack many additional resources, such as simulators, and supplementary engineering, but if he makes it through the year with few wrecked race cars and little overhead, he may have positioned himself as a long-term owner in NASCAR.
Baldwin will field Toyota Camry’s and receive his engines from Arrington Manufacturing.
RSS
Home
Is Tommy Baldwin crazy or brilliant?
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
