The 22nd annual Daytona 500 was held February 17, 1980. Buddy Baker started the decade by winning the fastest Daytona 500 in history, at 177.602 mph, it was Baker's only 500 win and did so in his 18th start. The 1980 Daytona Speedweek was also marred by the death of Ricky Knotts, who was killed during the Gatorade Twin 125 qualifying races.