Tommy Baldwin Jr., who has served as Competition Director for Rick Ware Racing for several years, revealed his departure during an appearance on the Dirty Mo Media Door Bumper Clear podcast.
His tenure, which began in 2023, marked a turning point for the organization. Under his guidance the team posted its best statistical season in 2024, averaging a 25.3 finish across five drivers, a stark improvement over the sporadic top‑five results that had characterized the squad in the preceding years.
Despite the on‑track progress, Baldwin said the decision to leave was driven by a shift in philosophy between him and team owner Rick Ware. He emphasized that the choice was made to safeguard the personal relationship that had defined their partnership.
Baldwin also noted that his sons, Jack and Luke, are actively competing in series outside of NASCAR’s premier division, a factor that further informed his perspective on the next chapter of his career.
Following Baldwin’s exit, the team has been trimmed to a single full‑time entry, Cody Ware, who currently holds a 29.0 average finish this season. The organization has also sold a charter to Legacy Motor Club and is exploring a potential sale to a new investor, signaling a period of transition.
Friendship Over Competition
In Baldwin’s view, the bond with Ware transcends any single race result. He described the move as a deliberate effort to keep the door open for future collaboration, even as the team reshapes its roster and ambitions.