NASCAR drivers remember Buddy Baker

Buddy Baker left a lasting impact on NASCAR, first as a driver and later as a popular television and radio analyst.

As a driver Baker was fearless, renowned for a hard charging approach where he squeezed the utmost performance out of often unreliable cars that couldn’t hold up to his hard charging ways. He won 19 times in NASCAR’s premier division including triumphs in the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500 -- the sport’s major events.

When he transitioned to a career as a broadcaster, Baker was equally great with a glib, friendly and insightful way of conveying the action on the track. And as NASCAR’s popularity skyrocketed throughout the 1980s and 90s, Baker became one of its most recognizable voices calling races for The Nashville Network and CBS.

Baker, 74, died from lung cancer on Monday. It was a diagnosis he shared with listeners last month on his SiriusXM NASCAR Radio show. In his final public appearance, Baker signed off with a poignant message.

“Do not shed a tear,” Baker said. “Give a smile when you say my name. I’m not saying goodbye. Just talk to you later.”