Buddy Baker

Buddy Baker was the fastest man in NASCAR. In 1980, he won the Daytona 500 at an average speed of 177.602 miles per hour, a record that stood for decades and reflected the fearless approach that defined his 19-win, 699-start Cup Series career. The Florence, South Carolina native drove with a right foot that knew only one setting -- wide open. Baker's 38 career poles testified to his raw speed, and on any given qualifying day, he was capable of putting his car on the front row regardless of the track or the competition. He raced in an era populated by legends -- Petty, Pearson, Yarborough, the Allisons -- and held his own against all of them with a combination of power and bravery that made him one of the most exciting drivers to watch. The son of two-time champion Buck Baker, Buddy carried the family name with distinction and added a chapter of his own that emphasized speed above all else. Superspeedways were his playground, where his willingness to keep the throttle buried longer than anyone else produced moments of breathtaking velocity. After his driving career, Baker became a beloved broadcaster, bringing his deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to a new generation of fans. His Hall of Fame induction in 2020 recognized what the NASCAR community had long known -- Buddy Baker was one of the sport's most gifted and beloved competitors.

Written by Richard R. Glover, NASCAR Reference