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NASCAR community pays tribute to its Gentle Giant, Buddy Baker

Buddy Baker photo on death

The NASCAR community is expressing sympathy and grief over the passing of legendary NASCAR driver Buddy Baker, who died early Monday morning at the age of 74.

Baker had waged a brief yet brave battle with cancer, announcing last month that he had an inoperable tumor in his lung.

MORE: Legendary driver and broadcaster Buddy Baker dies

One of Buddy’s closest friends and chief rivals on the racetrack, NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty, issued a statement upon hearing of his friend’s passing:

“Buddy was always wide open and that’s the way he raced and lived his life. He was always full of energy. He was a person you wanted to be around because he always made you feel better. He raced with us, shared his stories with us and became our friend. Buddy loved the sport and he made a lasting impression on the sport on the track, in the television booth and on the radio. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Baker family at this time.”

Much of the NASCAR world took to Twitter and other social media outlets to express their sympathy and grief over Buddy’s passing:

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