Elzie Wylie “Buddy” Baker Jr., the 1980
Daytona 500 champion and famed NASCAR commentator, has died at age 74 after a brief
battle with cancer.
At 6 feet 6 inches tall, Buddy Baker was
often called the “Gentle Giant,” though the nickname “Leadfoot” was more fitting,
due to the blistering speeds he often achieved during his 33-year career.
In 1970, Baker became the first driver to
eclipse the 200-mph mark on a closed course while testing at Talladega
Superspeedway. Although he didn’t win at the 2.66-mile superspeedway that year,
Baker visited Talladega Victory Lane four times throughout his stellar career.
A race commentator and radio host during a
lengthy and prolific post-racing career, the Charlotte, North Carolina native’s
biggest win came in the 1980 Daytona 500. He finished with an average race
speed of 177.602 mph – a track record that still stands.
“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,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “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, 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 preseason 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 “The Late
Shift” and “Tradin’ Paint” for SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
You will be missed Buddy.
ReplyDeleteSuch a loss but no more pain for Buddy
ReplyDeleteI will always do as he requested ,smile when I mention his name You will be missed RIP
Rest easy "leadfoot"
ReplyDeleteOne of the Greatest,, I to will always smile when I hear his name, also will see Buddy at a later date as he said..R.I.P. Buddy..
ReplyDeleteI always enjoyed his stories. RIP
ReplyDeleteI bet anything Will Rogers will like you .
ReplyDelete