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Baker, known as the "Gentle Giant" for his affable demeanor
and 6-foot-6-inch (2.01 meters) frame, was a 2015 NASCAR Hall of
Fame nominee and named in 1998 one of its 50 greatest drivers.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France called Baker "an absolute
treasure who will be missed dearly."
"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," 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."
Baker, the son of son NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker, became
the first driver to surpass the 200-mph mark on a closed course
while testing at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama in 1970.
The 177.6 mph Baker averaged in winning the 1980 Daytona 500 is
a record that still stands. He recorded 19 wins in NASCAR's
premier series, including a victory in the 1970 Southern 500 at
Darlington Raceway in South Carolina where he lapped the field.
Baker left his co-hosting position on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's
"The Late Shift" last month after announcing he had an
inoperable tumor in his lung.
"Do not shed a tear," he said in signing off. "Give a smile when
you say my name. I'm not saying goodbye. Just talk to you
later."
(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Bill
Trott)
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