Tommy Baldwin Racing undergoes major changes for 2012; Progress is the key

Dave Blaney and Tommy Baldwin Racing have gone through a lot of offseason changes in
the name of progress.
Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs

Progress – that word simply describes all that has occurred at Tommy Baldwin Racing during the offseason.

During the 2011 season TBR fielded one full time car for Dave Blaney and an occasional second car, but for 2012 all that changes is the meaning of progress for the team. David Reutimann was signed as the newest driver for the team in early January and since then the changes have been rolling out.

Just this week TBR tapped veteran Ryan Pemberton as Blaney's crew chief for 2012. Formerly of Red Bull Racing, Pemberton has a lengthy resume. Having worked with drivers Mark Martin, Ernie Irvan, Joe Nemechek, David Reutimann and both Scott Speed and Brian Vickers; Pemberton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to TBR.

New driver – check. New crew chief – check. Why not also add in a Nationwide Series team? Tommy Baldwin Racing has added that to their list of changes for 2012.

Drivers Ryan Blaney (Dave's son), Bobby Santos, and Ryan Truex share the No. 36 ride. Truex has previous Nationwide experience, making 17 starts split between Pastrana Waltrip Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. Santos also has previous experience, albeit only 5 races that does include a 17th place finish at the 2011 season opener in Daytona. Newcomer Ryan Blaney has no NASCAR experience, but plenty of racing experience. He won in just his third start in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, competing in both in East and West divisions. Blaney also competed in two ARCA races, finishing in the top 10 in both his starts. The young drivers will be guided by veteran crew chief Brad Parrott, who joins TBR with over 20 years of experience, and will be an invaluable asset to shepherd these young guns.

“I’m glad to be a part of TBR,” Parrott said. “Tommy has a long history in the sport, as do I. We’ve both been to the top ranks of the NASCAR, as well as smaller teams. Now as a young team owner, I can relate to where his race team is going and look forward to many years ahead. I have been a crew chief in the Nationwide Series since 2002 and won 18 races. With the experience that I have, I look forward to bringing a young team with young drivers to the winner’s circle. I’m thrilled to work with Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos, as well as our partners. 2012 will be very exciting for all involved.”

Perhaps the biggest and most unexpected change of all came out of left field. Tommy Baldwin Racing has partnered with Stewart Hass Racing this season. In a collaborative effort to aid both teams, Danica Patrick and David Reutimann will be sharing the No.10 car that is owned by TBR. Patrick is only scheduled for 10 races this season and while she is not racing the car, Reutimann will be. To guarantee Patrick a starting spot into the Daytona 500, the team will use the points acquired from Baldwin’s No. 36 car.

Through the agreement Baldwin, Reutimann, Patrick and crew chief Greg Zipadelli will work together to ensure that the No.10 car is performing at its peak for both drivers.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve established at Tommy Baldwin Racing, and the opportunity to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and aid in the development of Danica Patrick is a testament to all the hard work we’ve put in over the years,” Baldwin said. “Danica will have a great teammate in Dave Blaney, who has been instrumental in getting our race team to where it is today. And with David Reutimann driving the No. 10 car in the races where Danica is not, the team will remain in a strong and competitive position throughout the year.”

From Blaney and Reutimann’s Cup cars to the Nationwide series ride of Ryan Blaney, Truex and Santos, great things await the Tommy Baldwin racing team. Their hard work and determination to succeed is paying off, all in the name of progress.