The feature event at Connecticut's Thompson International Speedway was delayed for over two hours because of rain showers. During the eighth lap of the feature, Tom Baldwin tried to avoid a collision with several cars. After being hit by the car of Ronnie Silk, Baldwin's Chevrolet went into the infield, sliding on the wet grass, and struck three cement blocks near a light post. The race was halted while Baldwin was cut from his car. He died at Hubbard Hospital in Webster, Massachusetts.

Tom Baldwin began his racing career at Riverhead Raceway in 1964 and won the Modified championship at New Smyrna Speedway four times, most recently in 1997. It is rumored that he had over fifty victories in his career, the exact number however is not known.

A competitor since 1985 in what is now the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Baldwin scored six wins and finished in the Top Ten in the standings eight times in nineteen seasons, including seven consecutive years from 1987 to 1993.

In 2003, at the age of 56, Baldwin was voted the Most Popular Driver in the Whelen Modified Tour.

"Tiger" Tom Baldwin, a resident of East Patchogue, New York, left behind his wife, Karen; daughter, Tammy; and son Tom Jr. who has been a NASCAR Sprint Cup crew chief.

R.I.P