As reported in today's Charlotte Observer, a nice mix of "old" and "new" NASCAR were on hand in Charlotte yesterday afternoon as Buddy Baker was laid to rest. Baker's old #15 car owner, Bud Moore was on hand and pallbearers Don Miller, Ryan Newman, Bobby Allison and motorsports writer, Tom Higgins are all visible in the photo below.
Friends, family say farewell to former NASCAR star Buddy Baker
Funeral for Baker, who died Aug. 10, was Tuesday
Baker won 19 races, was first to break 200-mph barrier
NASCAR officials, former rivals in attendance
By David Scott
A church full of Buddy Bakers family and friends gathered Tuesday afternoon to say goodbye to Baker, one of NASCARs fastest and most fearless drivers.
Baker, who grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Garinger High, died Aug. 10 at the age of 74. He won 19 races over his 33-year career including five times at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and four at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and was also the first stock-car driver to eclipse the 200-mph barrier during a test at Talladega in 1970.
Buddy said the most important thing for him was to be with family, said pastor John Earl, who officiated Bakers funeral at Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Family and friends are here to be with and for each other.
NASCAR was represented at the funeral by chairman Brian France and president Mike Helton. Former rivals Richard Petty, Ned Jarrett and Bobby Allison attended. Ryan Newman, who drives on the Sprint Cup Series and counted Baker as a mentor, served as a pallbearer with Allison. Bud Moore and Waddell Wilson, two of Bakers crew chiefs, were also in attendance.
H.A. Humpy Wheeler, Bakers longtime friend and former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway, spoke at the service. Wheeler said there was so much more to Baker than just being a driver and broadcaster (he was co-host of a satellite radio show when he was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year).
Wheeler talked about a time recently that Baker talked a young man out of committing suicide. When Baker won at Talladega in 1975, Wheeler said Baker told him he didnt feel like a winner because a friend, fellow driver Tiny Lund, died in the race.
Buddy was a ferocious driver, said Wheeler. He wasnt afraid of anything on the race track. He also wasnt afraid to kneel down and say a prayer.
David Scott: 704-358-5889, @davidscott14
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/thatsrac...
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