Buck Baker

Elzie Wylie Baker Sr., better known as Buck Baker ( born March 4, 1919 in Richburg, South Carolina, † April 14, 2002 in Charlotte, North Carolina ) was an American NASCAR driver and two-time champion in the Grand- National series.

Career

Baker ran his first race in 1939 in Greenville, South Carolina, but did not due to a burst tire to the finish. Despite the unfortunate start of his career he was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. So Baker was the first rider to win the championship in the two consecutive years 1956 and 1957, defending a title. He was also in the years 1955 and 1958, respectively second in the championship and finished four more seasons in the top fifth

Baker's other successes include the three-time winning the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Overall, he won 46 races in 636 starts, of which he started the race from pole position in 45.

After his retirement from motor racing in 1976, he opened the Buck Baker Racing School, where for the first time sat among other things, Jeff Gordon at the wheel of a touring car. The students are taught by Buck Baker Buddy Baker 's son, also a NASCAR driver, and his daughter Susie Baker.

Death

Buck Baker died on the night of April 14, 2002 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the age of 83 years.