A Michigan racer was ready for his big break in NASCAR. One phone call made him turn around.

BROOKLYN, MI – Morgen Baird was ready for his big break.

The 31-year-old racer from Grass Lake has already competed in lower racing series, but was scheduled to make his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series – one level below the Cup Series – in March.

Since budgets are not excessive, Baird drove from his home in Jackson to Richmond Raceway in Virginia.

He was near Cincinnati when he got a call. It was his fiancée Victoria Taylor in the hospital.

“My son came,” Baird said.

Brody Baird was not due to be born for another two weeks, but he had no intention of waiting for his father’s big race to be born.

Baird immediately turned around and drove back to Michigan, arriving in time for the birth of his first-born son. Another driver, Garrett Smithley, filled in for Baird in Richmond and finished 21st.

For Baird, it was bittersweet to watch someone else in his race car, “but it was a good situation because I had my son in my arms,” ​​he said.

He had hoped for another chance. But then JD Motorsports, the racing team he worked with, closed without warning.

Baird still did not lose his faith.

The story took a positive turn when Baird announced plans to make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at his home track – 20 minutes from home at Michigan International Speedway. Baird signed a contract to race in the No. 53 Ford for Joey Gase Racing for Saturday’s Cabo Wabo 250 at MIS. Jackson-based Alro Steel signed as his primary sponsor.

This time, young Brody could be among the spectators.

But instead of a fairytale ending, there was even more heartache. Baird failed to qualify for Saturday’s race, missing the finish line by 0.1 seconds.

“I’ve had a queasy feeling in my stomach all day. I don’t think I’ve eaten anything since 9 a.m.,” Baird said. “It’s unbearable. It’s definitely a bitter pill to swallow.”

Baird will still be at MIS on Saturday. The team will bring the car out so family, friends and sponsors can take photos. But when the green flag waves, Baird will not be in the cockpit, but in the stands with his family.

However, being a father has given Baird’s situation a new perspective.

“When I woke up today, (Brody) was right next to me smiling,” Baird said. “It makes you forget. It makes you understand what’s more important than chasing your dreams.”

Baird isn’t giving up on his dreams, though. He’ll try again to make his Xfinity debut on September 7 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, driving the same No. 53 Alro Steel Ford.

“It’s been a long (process),” Baird said. “But you can’t give up.”

Hanging out with Miles Teller

One of Baird’s newer sponsors is Long Drink – a gin-based alcoholic beverage that is becoming increasingly popular.

Co-owner of the Finnish brand is actor Miles Teller, known for his roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Footloose”.

Baird performed with Teller at Long Drink in Ann Arbor earlier this year – fire suit and all.

“It was really cool hanging out with him,” Baird said. “He loved the uniform.”

Baird described Teller as “down to earth” and someone who definitely “draws a pretty big audience.”

Besides the benefit of representing an up-and-coming brand alongside a star actor, Baird’s connection to Long Drink has boosted his racing career. There were seasons where he was only able to race once a year because he put all his money into one ARCA Series race.

Thanks to the Long Drink sponsorship, Baird is now able to race weekly Dirt Modified races at Butler Motor Speedway. He won his first heat race just two weeks ago.

“Staying in the saddle every weekend goes a long way in shaking off the rust,” Baird said.

Baird came to MIS full of confidence, finishing sixth in the 2023 MIS ARCA race, a career-best finish. Eight of his 13 ARCA races have been held at MIS.

His goal for this weekend was to gain as much experience as possible, complete all the laps and not lose his composure. A split second stopped him from trying.

Despite the grief, Baird still has one goal in mind on Saturday: a new family photo with Brody in his arms.

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