Rick Baldwin

Richard A. Baldwin (10 June 1955 - 12 June 1997) 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.

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Preceded by
Terry Schoonover
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fatalities
1986 (died in 1997)
Succeeded by
Grant Adcox