Rick Baldwin
Encyclopedia
Richard A. Baldwin was an American
racing driver who competed on the NASCAR
circuit. He ran a few races each season during 1983-85 running his self-owned Dodge Mirada
and Chrysler Imperial
.
On June 14, 1986, Baldwin was substituting for the injured Buddy Arrington
at the Miller American 400 at Michigan International Speedway
, part of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. During qualifying, Baldwin spun and hit the wall, driver's side first, between turns one and two. The protective window netting failed to prevent his head from striking the wall during the impact, resulting in massive head injuries.
After 11 years in a coma, Baldwin died two days after his 42nd birthday in 1997. The fatality was the first driver death in the history of Michigan International Speedway. Baldwin was survived by his wife and children, and his mother and father.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
racing driver who competed on the NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
circuit. He ran a few races each season during 1983-85 running his self-owned Dodge Mirada
Dodge Mirada
The Dodge Mirada was a full-sized, rear-wheel drive coupe built from 1980–83, and was one of the three cars based on the Chrysler J platform, the other models being the second generation Chrysler Cordoba and the Imperial, these three vehicles being Chrysler's response to the downsizing of its car...
and Chrysler Imperial
Chrysler Imperial
The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was the company's top of the range vehicle for much of its history. Models were produced with the Chrysler name until 1954, and again from 1990 to 1993. The company tried to position the cars as a prestige marque that would rival Cadillac and Lincoln...
.
On June 14, 1986, Baldwin was substituting for the injured Buddy Arrington
Buddy Arrington
Buddy Arrington is a retired NASCAR Grand National/Winston Cup driver.- Biography :...
at the Miller American 400 at Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway
Michigan International Speedway is a two-mile moderate-banked D-shaped superspeedway located off U.S. Highway 12 on more than in Brooklyn, in the scenic Irish Hills area of southeastern Michigan. The track is used primarily for NASCAR events. It is sometimes known as a "sister track" to Texas...
, part of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. During qualifying, Baldwin spun and hit the wall, driver's side first, between turns one and two. The protective window netting failed to prevent his head from striking the wall during the impact, resulting in massive head injuries.
After 11 years in a coma, Baldwin died two days after his 42nd birthday in 1997. The fatality was the first driver death in the history of Michigan International Speedway. Baldwin was survived by his wife and children, and his mother and father.