The Buzz: Baldwin weighing options

Ultra Motorsports crew chief Tommy Baldwin was at work Monday preparing No. 7 Sirius Dodges for Jimmy Spencer.

	Tommy Baldwin

But it's common knowledge at the team's shops in Mooresville, N.C., that Baldwin is seriously considering a number of offers from top NASCAR Winston Cup teams -- that could result in him leaving Ultra at any time.

Ultra owner Jim Smith, on a business trip to China, was unavailable for comment.

Baldwin reportedly was tight-lipped with the media last weekend at Kansas Speedway, where Spencer qualified 27th and finished 15th.

Baldwin -- who also co-owns a NASCAR Busch Series team with former Modified running mate Eddie D'Hondt -- has been the target of inquiries from leading Winston Cup organizations all season.

But until Ultra's primary sponsorship for 2004 came into question, had not given them much credence.

Reportedly, Smith is committed to a full schedule in 2004, possibly backed by Sirius in combination with another company or companies.

But that definitive determination may come too late to retain Baldwin, who has been linked in media reports to Ray Evernham and current Ford Busch Series driver Kasey Kahne.

Those aren't the only top level options for the highly regarded Baldwin.