Buddy Baker, the 1980 Daytona 500 champion who became a popular commentator after his racing career ended in 1992, died on Monday of lung cancer at the age of 74, NASCAR said. Baker, known as the "Gentle Giant" for his affable demeanor and 6-foot-6-inch (2.01 meters) frame, was a 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee and named in 1998 one of its 50 greatest drivers.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France called Baker "an absolute treasure who will be missed dearly." Many of today's fans may know Buddy Baker as one of the greatest storytellers in the sport's history, a unique skill that endeared him to millions," France said in a statement.
"But those who witnessed his racing talent recognized Buddy as a fast and fierce competitor, setting speed records and winning on NASCAR's biggest stages."
