A Deep Dive into Their Feud from the SMART Modified Tour’s King of the Modifieds at South Boston Speedway
This article explores the ongoing tension between Jack Baldwin and Jake Crum, which reached a boiling point during the SMART Modified Tour’s King of the Modifieds event at South Boston Speedway.
The simmering rivalry between Jack Baldwin and Jake Crum reached a boiling point during the SMART Modified Tour’s “King of the Modifieds” event at South Boston Speedway on March 22, 2025. This confrontation marked the second significant clash between the two drivers in as many races, intensifying tensions within the racing community.
Origins of the Feud: Anderson Motor Speedway Incident
The discord between Baldwin and Crum began earlier this month at Anderson Motor Speedway. With 16 laps remaining, Baldwin attempted an outside pass on Crum for second place. The two made contact exiting Turn 4, resulting in Baldwin’s car slamming into the outside wall and ending his race prematurely. Visibly frustrated, Baldwin exited his vehicle and gestured angrily at Crum as he drove by. Crum, who finished fifth in that race, described his car as having handling issues and stated that the contact was unintentional.
Escalation at South Boston Speedway
The animosity carried over to South Boston Speedway’s “King of the Modifieds” event. On Lap 91 of the 125-lap race, while battling for fifth position, Baldwin’s car wiggled entering Turn 1, causing him to collide with Crum. Both cars crashed hard into the outside wall of Turn 2. The immediate aftermath saw Crum exiting his vehicle and confronting Baldwin on the track, leading to a brief physical altercation before officials intervened.
The incident also drew in crew members, notably Tommy Baldwin Jr., Jack’s father and crew chief, who exchanged heated words with members of Crum’s team. The confrontation underscored the escalating tensions between the two camps.
Race Outcome and Looking Ahead
Amidst the drama, Matt Hirschman showcased his racing prowess by leading from Lap 77 onwards to claim the “King of the Modifieds” title. Stephen Kopcik and Luke Baldwin rounded out the podium positions.
With 13 races remaining in the SMART Modified Tour season, the ongoing rivalry between Jack Baldwin and Jake Crum adds an element of unpredictability and heightened anticipation for fans and participants alike. The next event is scheduled for April 5 at Orange County Speedway, where all eyes will be on these two drivers to see if tensions persist or if cooler heads prevail.
