Buddy Baker (1941-2015)
NASCAR legend and broadcaster Elzie Wylie “Buddy” Baker has passed away from lung cancer at the age of 74. Son of two-time champion and Hall-Of-Famer Buck Baker, Buddy started his NASCAR career in 1959. The South Carolina native would go on to win 19 races in 699 starts in NASCAR’s top flight, including the sport’s original four grand slam events: the 1980 Daytona 500; the 1970 Southern 500; the World 600 in 1968, 1972, and 1973; and the Alabama 500 in 1975, 1976, and 1980. He became the first driver to surpass 200 miles an hour in a Dodge Charger Daytona at Talladega in 1970, and his Daytona 500 win is the fastest on record. He was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall Of Fame in 1997. Following his retirement in the early 1990’s, Baker would remain a test driver and consultant for Penske Racing’s NASCAR teams.
After his racing career, Buddy Baker became a commentator for CBS, as well World Sports Enterprises-produced broadcasts on TBS and The Nashville Network. After CBS and TNN left the sport in 2000, Baker became a host with Sirius NASCAR Radio. He was still with the channel as late as last month, when he announced he was stepping away after being diagnosed with an inoperable lung tumor.
As a driver, Baker was known for his “foot to the floor” attitude, and as a broadcaster was beloved by fans for his laid back and jovial nature. NASCAR Chairman Brian France said in a statement “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. 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.”
Read more at NASCAR.com.
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