NASCAR lost one of its legends, Buddy Baker, who passed away today at the age of 74. "Leadfoot," as he was widely known, will be remembered not only for his 19 wins, but also for his off track behavior.
"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 in a statement, according to NASCAR's official site.
Dubbed "Gentle Giant," as he was 6 feet 6 inches, Baker was not a typical race car driver. The loss of his spirit, fearlessness on the track, undeniable love of the sport and affable nature will be missed.
With a career that spanned three and a half decades, Baker will always be remembered as being the first driver to pass the 200 miles per hour mark on a closed course. This was accomplished at the Talladega Superspeedway, at 200.096 mph, during a transmission test on March 24, 1970. He is also the first driver to win the big four (Daytona, Talladega, Darlington and Charlotte), according to his official website.
Another milestone for NASCAR and Baker was during his win at the Daytona 500 in 1980 where he averaged 177.602 mph in that win, an unbeaten record still today.
While preparing for his death, Baker sat down late last month with one his closest friends, Charlotte Observer Motorsports writer Tom Higgins. "I'm right with the Man Upstairs," Baker told Higgins, according to a Fox Sports article. "If I feared death, I would never have driven a race car."
Baker's final track start was at Talladega Superspeedway on May 3, 1992.
