NASCAR has lost one of its greats.

Buddy Baker, who announced last month he had inoperable lung cancer, died early Monday morning at 74.

Baker, known as NASCAR’s ‘Gentle Giant’ as he towered over most of his competitors at 6-foot-6, won the 1980 Daytona 500, was a NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee and was named one of its 50 greatest drivers in 1998.

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio announced his death. Baker left his co-host slot on ”The Late Shift” just last month after announcing he had a ”huge tumor” in his lung.

“Do not shed a tear. Give a smile when you say my name. I’m not saying goodbye. Just talk to you later,” Baker said as he signed off.

VIDEO: Buddy Baker wins the 1980 Daytona 500

Baker followed in the footsteps of his father, two-time champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker, who was inducted in 2013. The young Baker debuted in NASCAR’s premier Cup series in 1959 at age 18 and competed in 700 races – winning 19 — before retiring from the sport after the 1992 season.

Among his wins were notable trips to victory lane in the 1980 Daytona 500, the 1970 Southern 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in 1968, 1972 and 1973.

In a statement, NASCAR chairman Brian France said: “Many of today’s fans may know Buddy Baker as one of the greatest storytellers in the sport’s history, a unique skill that endeared him to millions. But those who witnessed his racing talent recognized Buddy as a fast and fierce competitor, setting speed records and winning on NASCAR’s biggest stages. It is that dual role that made Buddy an absolute treasure who will be missed dearly.”

VIDEO: Remembering Buddy Baker

Baker enjoyed the superspeedways most, becoming the first driver to exceed 200 mph on a closed course – at Talladega Superspeedway in 1970. He won at NASCAR’s largest venue four times and his fearless style at top speeds earned him another moniker: “Leadfoot.” He ranks 14th with 38 poles, and also amassed 202 top-fives and 311 top-10s.

Baker raced for Petty Enterprises in 1971 and 1972, notching a win in each season.

Seven-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Famer Richard Petty said in a statement: “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.”

Michigan International Speedway track president Roger Curtis said via release: “I’ll miss Buddy. I’ll always remember how talented he was as a race car driver, and how he had a wonderful presence at the track. … But he also loved the people. I think that’s why he told such wonderful stories – because he loved people who loved NASCAR.”

So it seemed natural when Baker’s post-race work took him to the broadcast booth, where he started at The Nashville Network, then moved to CBS and eventually landed at SiriusXM when the station started a NASCAR channel in 2007.

The company remembered Baker on Monday as ”one of the anchors of the channel. … He brought a wonderfully engaging personality to the airwaves and his storytelling ability made his show a joy to listen to.  As one of NASCAR’s great competitors, he generously shared a wealth of knowledge – developed over many decades in the sport – with our listeners.  He is greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

During Baker’s final broadcast, which lasted about 40 minutes, he told listeners: “I just want to say goodbye to everyone. Thanks for being a friend.”

PHOTOS: Buddy Baker through the years

Contributing: Associated Press

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