Glo Spawn
Elzie Wylie Baker, Jr., better known as “Buddy”, is the son of legendary Buck Baker and was born in Florence, SC. Growing up in the heart of racing country and being the spawn of a NASCAR champion and Hall of Fame member, Buddy Baker had only one destiny—racecar driving.
His career in NASCAR began in 1959 and lasted 33 years. During that time, he tore up racetracks all over the southeast and ranks ninth on the all-time list for 202 top-five finishes and 311 top-tens out of 699 total starts. Buddy ranks tenth, right behind his dad for pole positions with 40. His dad had 44. Buddy drove one of the fastest and most ominous cars in NASCAR-an Oldsmobile called the “Gray Ghost”. Its paint scheme was gray with black side panels.
With Buddy’s spectacular speed and the car blending in with the pavement on the track, it was hard for the other drivers to see him in their rearview mirrors. Before they knew it, Buddy would sneak up and blow by them like an explosion. Because of the complaints of the other drivers, NASCAR officials made Buddy put Day-Glo strips on the front of his car so that it could be seen in the rearview mirrors of his competitors.
Buddy Baker may not have visited the winner’s circle as many times as some of his rivals, but he was at the front of the pack and set some speed records which still stand today. He was the first driver to break the speed barrier at Talladega in 1970 with a speed of 200.447mph. Also, in 1980 he won NASCAR’s most sought after win, the Daytona 500. And he did it with an average speed of 177.602mph, a record that is still unsurpassed today. Certainly, that’s how he gained the nickname “Leadfoot”.
Buddy Baker is one of the few to achieve a Career Grand Slam or the “Big Four”. He won NASCAR’s four major events: Daytona, Talladega, Charlotte, and Darlington. Only seven other drivers have accomplished this feat. Buddy retired from driving in 1994, but not from the racing scene. He’s spent almost a decade with Penske Racing and has mentored drivers such as Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman. He has also been a spotter for Newman and the No. 12 Alltel Dodge and still does test driving when needed.
Along with his brother and father, Buddy runs the Buck Baker Racing School and is the co-host of a weekly radio broadcast show. Buddy Baker is far from retired and is very happy doing what he’s doing. “I’m in great health,” he said. “I get to be around a sport that I love. I’m very content with life.”
By: Cindy Pischel
More articles about NASCAR news and auto racing can be found at http://www.speedweekly.net
The best way to watch NASCAR can be found at [http://www.watchautoracing.com]
Yarn Fly Glo Bug Egg Pattern Fly Tying Video
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Aqua- Glo improve vitality fish fry growth w/ naturose 2 Spawn Conditioner $38.95 |
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steelhead/salmon flies(50) #10 & #12 Electric Glo Spawn w/box 10 colors 2 sizes $79.95 |
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Aqua- Glo improve vitality fish fry growth w/ naturose 1 Spawn Conditioner $23.95 |
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steelhead/salmon flies(50) #8 & #10 Electric Glo Spawn w/box 10 colors 2 sizes $79.95 |
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steelhead/salmon flies(50) #6 & #8 Electric Glo Spawn w/box 10 colors 2 sizes $79.95 |
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Gamakatsu C14S Glo Bug 2X Strong Fly Hook-Pack Of 25 (Black) This is the hook to use when tying glo bugs and other egg patterns… |
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Glo Spawn Flies Color: Pink; Hook Size: 12 $0.95 The glo spawn fly is a spin-off from the popular sucker spawn fly. Instead of Angora this fly is made from Glo Bug material using the same loop pattern as the sucker spawn but more compact. Over the last several years this fly has also proven to be a favorite for steelhead in the Great Lakes tributaries. This fly is made by a local fly tyer and is available on either a size 12 or size 14 scud hook… |
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Glo Spawn Flies Color: Egg; Hook Size: 12 $0.95 The glo spawn fly is a spin-off from the popular sucker spawn fly. Instead of Angora this fly is made from Glo Bug material using the same loop pattern as the sucker spawn but more compact. Over the last several years this fly has also proven to be a favorite for steelhead in the Great Lakes tributaries. This fly is made by a local fly tyer and is available on either a size 12 or size 14 scud hook… |