Born in Richburg, South Carolina, Baker began his NASCAR career in 1949 and won his first race three years later at Columbia Speedway.

During his NASCAR Cup Series career, Baker won two championships, 46 races and 45 pole positions, as well as recorded 372 top-tens.

Baker went on to become one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR's history; he was the first back-to-back winner of the Grand National Championship in 1956 and 1957.

Baker, along with Roby Combs and Ike Kiser leased motorsport tracks and promoted races early in the 1950s.

[4] In September 1951, they leased Air Base Speedway, near Greenville, South Carolina, also to promote races.

His son, Buddy, was a 34-year Winston Cup veteran and taught at the school along with Buck's daughter, Susie Baker;[1] his other son, Randy, also competed in Winston Cup and operates SpeedTech Auto Racing Schools.

His son, Buddy Baker[10] also grew to be a renowned NASCAR driver, winning the 1980 Daytona 500 in what is still the record speed for the 500 at 177.602 mph (285.809 km/h).