Luke Baldwin victorious in Flying VA Classic at Dominion Raceway

A race that honored one legendary Modified racing family was won by another legendary family.

Luke Baldwin picked up the victory in Saturday night’s Flying VA Classic at Dominion Raceway in Virginia, a race run to honor the legacy of NASCAR Modified legend Ray Hendrick.  Luke Baldwin is the son of Tommy Baldwin and grandson of Tom Baldwin.

“It was a really special moment, driving alongside that Flying VA 11 car,” Luke Baldwin said during his victory lane interview with series announcer Bob Dillner.  “I’ve heard a lot of stories.  It’s really special to park this one on a night that honors their name.”

Baldwin was the dominant driver in the race, leading 76 of the race’s 99 laps.  Throughout the race, he had to contend with several series veterans, including Bobby Labonte and Jimmy Blewett, who went on to finish in the runner-up position.

“This thing was on a rail,” Baldwin remarked.  “I think I could have done a little better to prevent that run Jimmy had at the end, but man, this car was on a rail.  I can’t thank everybody enough.  These guys bust their tails every single week, and they’ve given me a winning race car every single week.  I was finally able to put one together for them.  Man, they deserve this.  They’ve worked so hard for this.”

Rounding out the top five, behind Baldwin and Blewett, were Danny Bohn, Burt Myers, and Sammy Rameau.

Following Saturday night’s race, the top-five in points, unofficially, were Carson Loftin, Luke Baldwin, Danny Bohn, Ryan Newman, and Burt Myers.  Those five drivers will advance to the SMART Modified Tour’s playoffs, which begin Wednesday night at Lonesome Pine Motorsports Park in Southwest Virginia’s coal country.

Unofficial Results

1. #7va – Luke Baldwin
2. #99 – Jimmy Blewett
3. #24 – Danny Bohn
4. #1 – Burt Myers
5. #06 – Sammy Rameau
6. #44 – Carson Loftin
7. #16 – Jonathan Cash
8. #25 – Tom Buzze, Jr.
9. #4 – Jason Myers
10. #15 – Brian Loftin
11. #18 – Bobby Labonte
12. #98 – Landon Huffman
13. #8NY – Chris Finocchario
14. #21 – Jimmy Wallace
15. #8s – John-Michael Shenette
16. #79 – Anthony Bello
17. #02 – Joey Coulter
18. #2 – Ryan Newman