Elzie Wylie " Buddy " Baker Jr. (January 25, 1941 – August 10, 2015) was an American professional stock car racing driver and commentator. Over the course of his 33-year racing …

Aug 10, 2015 · Buddy Baker, noted for a 34-year career in NASCAR's top series that produced 19 victories, including the 1980 Daytona 500, died Monday morning from lung cancer. He was 74.

Jan 25, 2021 · Buddy Baker drove for Petty Enterprises in 28 NASCAR Cup Series races during the 1971 and 1972 seasons as teammate to Richard Petty. Baker won twice during his tenure …

Jan 30, 2025 · Buddy Baker’s impact on NASCAR goes beyond his race wins. He was a pioneer in superspeedway racing, a mentor to younger drivers, and an ambassador for the sport.

Aug 10, 2015 · In 1980, Buddy Baker won the Daytona 500 with an average race speed of 177.602 mph—a track record that still stands. In 1970, Baker became the first driver to eclipse …

The son of racing legend Buck Baker, Buddy is generally regarded in stock car circles as the fastest of all top drivers, using his unique, "leadfooted" approach to racing to attain speeds …

Aug 11, 2015 · It finally took inoperable lung cancer to bring down the superspeedway hero Buddy Baker, who died yesterday morning at his home on Lake Norman in North Carolina. He …

In joining longtime friends and rivals Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough and David Pearson on the sideline, Buddy finished with impressive statistics. NASCAR lists him with 699 starts, 19 …

Jul 24, 2023 · Elzie Wylie “Buddy” Baker Jr. was a giant competitor in NASCAR Winston Cup Racing. His 33-year career was full of achievements that earned him his spot in the …

Jan 27, 2025 · Known for his speed and charisma, Buddy Baker wasn’t just a driver, but a mentor and a friend to many in the sport. His legacy is more than his record-breaking achievements …