Severn Man Reaches Top on Race Crew
By Katie Balance
Maryland Gazette
July 11, 2009
Severn resident Cory Baldwin was part of victory last month that truly was the pits.
The Severna Park High graduate was a member of the winning pit crew as Cunningham Motorsports driver Parker Kligerman won an ARCA series race in North Carolina last month.
Baldwin, who served as the front-tire changer, said he was in shock after finding out his team won the race.
“Just seeing Parker cross the finish line, it was great to see all the hard work, week in, week out, all paid off right there. It was a huge accomplishment to be a part of something that big,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin only participated in two previous races before the win.
As an avid racing entrhusiast, Baldwin graduated in September from the Performance Instruction and Training (PIT) eight-week program. Now, he is a member of the 5 Off 5 On Race Team Performance program, similar to a graduate program, according to Amanda Fowler, communications coordinator for the program.
Baldwin also attends NASCAR Technical Institute, which brought Baldwin to North Carolina.
“PIT has jump-started a lot of careers and this win will hopefully be one of many for these dedicated guys,” said Adam Merrell, director of Motorsports at PIT and Baldwin’s coach.
Baldwin talks highly of the program that has jump-started his career and knows that this is only the beginning. Although Baldwin is a pit crew member, initially he wanted to be a driver, growing up watching NASCAR. In high school, he began drag racing and continues to on the weekends, when he is not working out or practicing.
“NASCAR is a dream. It’s a big community, but it’s so small,” said Baldwin, who sees being a pit crew member as a better fit after attending PIT.
Baldwin, who is another step closer to fulfilling a dream, says being in the winner’s circle was incredible. Kligerman received a Powerade shower, something Baldwin is accustomed to seeing bestowed upon his favorite driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.
