It was announced today that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver, Alex Bowman, will not return to Tommy Baldwin Racing (#7 Chevy) in 2016. ‘As NASCAR transitions to different business and competition models, teams have to make decisions accordingly,’ said team owner, Tommy Baldwin. ‘We appreciate what Alex contributed during 2015 and wish him the best in the future.’ During this past season, Bowman qualified for 35 of 36 championship points events. His start/finish average was 34th and 31st respectively and placed 33rd in the final standings.(140Buzz/TBR)(1-21-2016)
UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) announces Regan Smith as driver of the #7 Chevy in 2016. As previously announced, Toy State and their Nikko RC and Road Rippers brands will serve as the majority sponsor for the season. ‘This is a really great time for us,’ said team owner, Tommy Baldwin. ‘Having a driver with Regan’s credentials further elevates our program. He’s a seasoned driver and a proven race winner. We’re really looking forward to 2016.’ A native of Cato, NY, Smith is equally as eager to get the season started. ‘This has been a crazy few days, but I’m really excited that we were able to put this together,’ he said. ‘I have a ton of respect for Tommy and what he’s built there. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Our son Rhett turns one next month, so I’ll be putting in my request for some Road Rippers cars. That’s a pretty good perk too!’ Smith’s career in NASCAR boasts a total of 7 wins, 34 top-five’s and 94 top-ten’s across the three National Touring Series, including the storied Southern 500 at Darlington in 2011.(TBR)
