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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Saddened to hear of Buddy Baker's passing. He left his mark inside the car and out. He was loved, appreciated, and respected. #RIPBuddy
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 10, 2015
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“Do not shed a tear. Give a smile when you say my name. I’m not saying goodbye. Just talk to you later.” -Buddy Baker
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 10, 2015
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When I think of Buddy Baker I smile. I'm thankful I knew this sweet, gentle man. I also him get mad a couple times. But not at me! #RIP BB 🏁
— Michael Waltrip (@MW55) August 10, 2015
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Such a great weekend with so much fun all around, but sad to hear today of the passing of Buddy Baker. Always enjoyed talking to him.
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) August 10, 2015
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God speed Buddy Baker...
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) August 10, 2015
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We're saddened to learn about the passing of Buddy Baker. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans. #GentleGiant
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) August 10, 2015
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Really sad to wake up and see the news of Buddy Baker. He was always a great supporter prays to his family!!
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) August 10, 2015
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Sad to hear of the passing of Buddy Baker this morning. #legend
— Rick Allen (@RickAllenracing) August 10, 2015
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So sad to hear of passing of legend, @NASCARHall nominee and dear friend Buddy Baker. He will be dearly missed. RIP my friend.
— Winston Kelley (@WinstonKelley) August 10, 2015
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So sorry to hear of the death of Buddy Baker.My thoughts and prayers are with his family.Huge contributor to the sport we love. #Respect
— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) August 10, 2015
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RIP my friend. #buddybaker pic.twitter.com/Fd2RFyL2TM
— Danny Chocolate Myers (@chocolatemyers3) August 10, 2015
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My prayers and condolences to the family of Buddy Baker. He was a great friend of Our family ! He was especially close to @bigbudbp 🙏RIP
— ToddParrott (@toddparott) August 10, 2015
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Buddy Baker.
— RCR (@RCRracing) August 10, 2015
Buddy passed away this morning at the age of 74. pic.twitter.com/SglYrzsKK2
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Thoughts and prayers with the family of the great Buddy Baker. May he rest well. #Racer #NASCAR
— Brett Jewkes (@BJewkes) August 10, 2015
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We've lost Buddy Baker. Rest In Peace my friend. @SiriusXMNASCAR #TMDNASCAR
— Mike Bagley "Bagman" (@TheMikeBagley) August 10, 2015
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With overwhelming sadness, we regrettably announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Buddy Baker. #GentleGiant pic.twitter.com/v4jECDfPWq
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) August 10, 2015
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Buddy I'm smiling n so very Honored that I was able to share stories with such an Amazing Man! RIP Buddy Baker
— Ron Hornaday (@RonHornaday) August 10, 2015
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This puzzle picture of Buddy Baker is hanging in my dad's @bigbudbp garage @toddparott pic.twitter.com/d6FizUEOEo
— Brad (@BradParrott) August 7, 2015
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.@stevebyrnes12 conducts sit down interview w/ Buddy Baker. They loved working together. RIP Buddy, the gentle giant. http://t.co/gIKiqdSLfJ
— Karen Goins-Byrnes (@KarenByrnes) August 10, 2015
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