They called him a Gentle Giant, but I called him my friend, and now he's gone too soon. His father Buck taught me the art of driving a NASCAR race car, Buddy taught me how to handle people, and how to be a better man.

Rest in Peace 'Ol Friend, your Daddy, Dale, Neil, Davey, Fireball, and Tiny Lund have been waiting for you.

Buddy Baker, NASCAR's 'Gentle Giant,' dies at 74

 

He was the guy who , with Dr. Jerry Punch told us of Ernie Irvan's condition when he hit the wall hard at Michigan in the 28 car, he was very upset but collected , he brought us out a basket of Subway sandwiches and talked with us for quite some time about racing and his being the first to crack 200 mph.
He will be missed, RIP Mr. Baker

 

That was Buddy to the core Steve, he was without a doubt one of the kindest drivers in the sport, and a really sweet guy.

The news of his passing will take time to sink in, I had just talked with him shortly after my Mom passed, and he was so sick and weak....but his first words were "what can I do for you?".

That was Buddy Baker, and we'll never see his kind again.


Joe Milliken, Buddy Baker, and Dale Earnhardt in 1980.

 

R.I.P Buddy Baker