Buddy Baker, 74, dies of cancer
Buddy Baker won 19 races and ranks 14th in NASCAR history with 38 poles in his 700 career starts from 1959 to 1992.
The 6-foot-6 Baker, the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker, was known for his all-out style, and in 1998, the "Gentle Giant" was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers.
"Many of today's fans may know Buddy Baker as one of the greatest storytellers in the sport's history, a unique skill that endeared him to millions," NASCAR chairman Brian France said in a statement. "But those who witnessed his racing talent recognized Buddy as a fast and fierce competitor, setting speed records and winning on NASCAR's biggest stages. It is that dual role that made Buddy an absolute treasure who will be missed dearly."
Baker was the first driver to exceed 200 mph on a closed course when he did it in 1970 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Baker, son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker, accumulated 19 wins in the premier series, including a victory in the 1970 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway where he lapped the rest of the field. In 1972-73, Baker became the first driver to win consecutive World 600s. He also won the inaugural pre-season event now known as the Sprint Unlimited in 1979. He was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998, and in 2014 was first nominated for inclusion into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
After retiring in 1992, Baker made a successful transition to the television booth as a commentator for The Nashville Network and CBS. He most recently served as a radio co-host on “Late Shift" and “Tradin’ Paint" for SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Radio. Baker announced he had lung cancer July 7 and would be immediately leaving the network. The network announced his death Monday morning.
"Do not shed a tear. Give a smile when you say my name. I'm not saying goodbye. Just talk to you later," Baker said in his final radio appearance.
"I'm right with The Man upstairs," Baker told The Charlotte Observer in a July 27 story. "If I feared death, I never would have driven a race car."