Tommy Baldwin Racing Salutes New York Modified Legend “Dutch” Hoag - Speedway Digest

The No. 7 Advanced Patient Care (APC) Chevrolet will carry the familiar paint scheme of Donald “Dutch” Hoag, a multi-time champion at a variety of short tracks throughout the state. Born in nearby Naples, Hoag also ran four Grand National — predecessor to the Sprint Cup Series — races during the 1950’s.

“We wanted to recognize Dutch for a few reasons,” said team owner Tommy Baldwin. “He was one of the drivers that my dad looked up to when he started his modified career. I remember when I was a kid, he’d always talk about how Dutch was always going to be the guy to beat, no matter what track we raced.”

There was a good reason for that.

In additional to the many track championships, Hoag is a multi-time Modified Race of Champions winner. In 1968 he won the coveted event by a full lap.

Hoag was also influential in starting many careers.

In 1969, Hoag let an eager young crewman take some hot laps in his modified. The following year he fielded a second car for him. That kid, was Geoff Bodine.

In 1972, Bodine went on to win his first Race of Champions and had subsequent success in the Sprint Cup Series.

“For me, this is not about just running a special paint scheme. It’s a true remembrance of a driver who impacted my family and the entire Northeast modified community. My dad would be proud that we’re doing this,” said Baldwin, who is a native of Long Island.

To further the connection, driver Regan Smith was born and raised one-hour North of WGI, in Cato, NY.

“If you’re from NY, you know Dutch Hoag,” Smith said. “It’s pretty cool to be able to run his colors this weekend.”

Hoag, who passed away in May at the age of 89, won on both asphalt and dirt between the 1940’s and 1970’s.

TBR PR