[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 20 (Thursday, January 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING BUDDY BAKER'S INDUCTION INTO THE 2020 NASCAR HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 30, 2020

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of racing 
legend Buddy Baker upon his induction into the eleventh class of the 
NASCAR Hall of Fame.
   A native of Charlotte, Buddy Baker was a towering figure in the 
world of NASCAR and in 1980, won the Daytona 500 with an average race 
speed of 177.602 MPH--a track record that stands today. During his 33-
year career, he accumulated 19 premier series wins, back-to-back Coca-
Cola 600 titles, and a Southern 500 victory where he lapped the rest of 
the field.
   Buddy Baker retired in 1992 and transitioned to television and 
radio, where he was a successful commentator for The Nashville Network 
and CBS and radio co-host on Late Shift and Tradin' Paint for SiriusXM 
NASCAR Radio. He passed away in 2015 and left behind a legacy of racing 
excellence and remains one of the sport's fastest drivers.
   This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that 
included track owners, competitors, members of the media, industry 
leaders, a nationwide fan vote, and the reigning Monster Energy NASCAR 
Cup Series champion. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the 
ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Buddy Baker is 
especially deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever 
for his remarkable contributions to racing.
   Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the legacy of Buddy 
Baker on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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