Baldwin’s decision to drive for Team Reaume in 2026 wasn’t a choice that was made lightly. Baldwin’s father spent months evaluating options. After quietly vetting programs behind the scenes, his father recommended Reaume as the right fit. What Tommy Baldwin Jr. found in his tour of the Team Reaume shop surprised him.
“He was very, very impressed,” Baldwin said. “From the haulers to pit boxes to engines, rear ends, hubs, brakes; it was top-of-the-line stuff.”
After touring the shop himself, Baldwin shared that confidence.
The young racer sees a team that has spent the last two years assembling the pieces to build an organization ready to climb the ranks. Supported by upgraded equipment, an expanding relationship with Ford, and a clear desire from team owner Josh Reaume to elevate the program, Baldwin is bullish on what Team Reaume is bringing to the table in 2026.
“I think this is the year,” Baldwin said. “I think we should be able to turn some heads.”
Ford’s involvement extends beyond the race shop. Baldwin recently logged his time in a simulator session as part of the manufacturer’s development program. The sim time unquestionably will add yet another layer to his growth as a driver this season.
Baldwin is also exploring ways to improve on road courses, which has become an increasingly important skill as the NASCAR sanctioning body continues to expand its road racing footprint.
With limited road course experience, Baldwin has embraced a learner’s mindset, karting at Trackhouse Motorplex, and he will turn laps in Legend cars around the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL. Baldwin says he will lean on experienced instructors to build a foundation for his road racing acumen.
“I don’t expect to go out and compete at a high level right away,” Baldwin said. “I just want to learn.”
Despite the added Truck Series races, Baldwin will not rush his growth or trajectory behind the wheel. The driver expects to compete in 40 to 50, or perhaps more, races this year across multiple disciplines. Baldwin views diversity in his schedule and overall seat time as more valuable than going full-time NASCAR National Series racing before he’s ready.
That patience, combined with perspective, may be Baldwin’s greatest asset. He understands how rare these opportunities are. Not long ago, he was just another fan dreaming from the stands.
“If you told me five or six years ago that I’d be racing in the Truck Series,” Baldwin said, “I would’ve called you crazy.”
-Photo Credit: Craig White | TobyChristie.com