Teenage star set for NASCAR series debut at Martinsville this weekend

Teenage racer Luke Baldwin has been confirmed for his NASCAR O'Reilly Series debut this weekend at Martinsville.

Baldwin raced five times in the Truck Series last year, and will now make the step up to the O'Reilly Series with Hettinger Racing in their No. 5 Ford.

The two-time SMART Modified Tour champion does have some previous experience at Martinsville, having started two Whelen Modified Tour at the short-track oval and made his Truck debut at the same track last year.

The 19-year-old noted his family's history at Martinsville, with his grandfather Tommy Baldwin Sr. winning a pair of Modified Tour races there in 1988 – with Tommy Baldwin Jr. as his crew chief.

“Martinsville has always meant a lot to my family, so to have my own opportunity at the track is definitely special,” Baldwin said. “It’s a place where I have a decent level of comfort in terms of feel and what I need in the racecar to make a fast lap.

"It’s tight, it’s physical, and you have to race smart to be there at the end. I’ve been fortunate to have some good experiences there already, so the goal is to lean on that and keep learning throughout the race.”

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Baldwin excited to learn at Martinsville

Team owner Chris Hettinger said: "With all that Luke has achieved of late, a lot of people have their eyes on him. We’re proud to be the ones he chose to make his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut.

“The O’Reilly Series is a big step up, but Martinsville is a flat and fast short track, and it’s the kind of place where Luke has excelled. He’s proven he can adapt quickly and run up front driving all kinds of cars. Martinsville is the right track and this is the right time for Luke to have this opportunity.”

Baldwin also hailed the learning opportunity for him ahead of his first Truck Series race of the year at Rockingham next week, saying: “This is a really good way to head into Rockingham.

"The O’Reilly Series is a step up in competition, and Martinsville is a place that really challenges you as a driver. There’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time, and that’s how it’ll be at Rockingham, too. A solid weekend at Martinsville is the best preparation for next week’s Truck race.”