Buddy Baker announced late Tuesday evening that he will step away from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio effective immediately. The sad news comes as the former driver continues to battle with lung cancer.
Baker, a driver turned broadcaster, has an extensive career in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. His 35 years of racing experience resulted in 19 victories, including the 1980 Daytona 500. He also captured victories at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway and Martinsville Speedway.
Baker also holds several records in the series over the course of his career. He became the first driver to break the 200 mph barrier. He also, to date, holds the record for the fastest ever Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
During his broadcasting career, Baker worked with TNN and CBS until early 2000. He joined the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio team in 2007. He worked with Brad Gillie on “The Late Shift” and would appear numerous times on “Tradin’ Paint.”
Baker’s last Sprint Cup Series start came in 1992 at Talladega Superspeedway. The North Carolina native started the day in 36th and drove to a finish of 31st in his debut race.
