Long-time crew chief and car owner Tommy Baldwin Jr. announced he is battling cancer, and NASCAR fans are showing support.

Baldwin announced the news on social media on Sunday.

“Today, I post with news that no one ever wants to hear … I have cancer,” Baldwin wrote. “It’s treatable, but this week of racing will be the last for a while for the Tommy Baldwin Racing team. Going to take a break & begin treatment to beat it into the ground.

“This is not a post for pity,” he added. “I want to let the world know that if you don’t feel right, go get checked out by a doctor now. Don’t wait. If I can save one life by posting this, I have done my job. Never be scared to go see the doctor — it could save your life. Take the message & share it with those you love before it’s too late. I will beat this challenge like every other. The grind begins now! Thanks to everyone for the support. See you all at the track as soon as possible. #$uckCancer.”

Baldwin has spent 30 years in NASCAR as a Daytona 500 winning crew chief and later a team owner. He was crew chief for Ward Burton when he won the 2002 Daytona 500. After serving as a crew chief for 629 races, he launched Tommy Baldwin Racing which ran 425 races between 2009-2020 with drives such as Alex Bowman and Danica Patrick behind the wheel.

NASCAR released the following statement in response to the news: “Tommy Baldwin Jr. is a fighter, and NASCAR joins him in this fight, and fully supports his decision to concentrate on his treatment. We wish him well, and our thoughts and prayers are with Tommy and his loved ones at this time.”

“This is a reminder to all of us that racing is much bigger than competition on the track — it’s about family and the friendships we create and our community,” six-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champ Doug Coby wrote. “My thoughts are with TB and his family as he begins treatment and I know the racing community will rally around him with nothing but love encouragement. You got this TB and we got you!”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.