In 2007, Baker became the part-time co-host of "The Driver's Seat" with John Kernan on Sirius XM's new NASCAR Radio channel. He remained with all 3 networks until the new consolidated television package took effect beginning with the 2001 season, after which he stepped away from the broadcasting booth. As a commentator, he helped call some of the most legendary moments in NASCAR history, including the first Winston All-Star Race held at night, the last 500-mile race at Dover in 1997, Dale Earnhardt's only Daytona 500 win, and the first race at Daytona to be held under the lights in Prime Time. His 1,099 laps led at Talladega Superspeedway remain the track's all-time career record.īroadcasting career and later life Īfter his retirement, Baker became a television broadcaster, acting as an analyst initially for The Nashville Network beginning in 1991, and later for TBS and CBS beginning in 1996. He competed in two International Race of Champions series, IROC IV and IROC VII, and helped run the Buck Baker Racing School with his brother for a number of years.īaker retired from NASCAR in 1992, finishing with 19 career victories. He generally raced part-time, having only raced three full seasons, and co-owned his car from 1985 to 1989.
Of the nine, Baker is the only driver never to have won a championship. The only other drivers to have accomplished this feat are Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Kevin Harvick. He is one of nine drivers to have accomplished a Career Grand Slam, a feat which involves winning NASCAR's four most prestigious races: the Daytona 500, Aaron's 499, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500. After his racing career, he worked as a broadcaster and co-hosted a number of radio shows on Sirius XM. Known by the nickname "Gentle Giant," Baker was noted for his prowess at NASCAR's superspeedways, Daytona and Talladega, at which he won a combined six races.
Over the course of his 33-year racing career, he won 19 races in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the 1980 Daytona 500. (Janu– August 10, 2015) was an American professional stock car racing driver and commentator. Statistics current as of December 18, 2012.Įlzie Wylie " Buddy" Baker Jr. National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame (1997)Ĭharlotte Motor Speedway Court of Legends (1995) International Motorsports Hall of Fame (1995) Named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers (1998) Lake Norman of Catawba, North Carolina, U.S.
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