CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) O. Bruton Smith, who emerged from rural North Carolina and parlayed his love of motorsports into becoming a NASCAR Hall of Famer and one of its most eccentric and. He was 95. Smith founded Speedway Motorsports, which is now run by Smith's son, and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. CEO, Marcus Smith. Smith founded Sonic Automotive in early 1997 and took it public 11 months later; in 2000, it was recognized as a Fortune 500 company and has hundreds of dealerships in over 20 states. The top-ranked pie in North Carolina doesnt look like pie at all. I want to contribute more and more," Smith said in 2015. Saddened by the passing of Bruton Smith, founder of Speedway Motorsports and Speedway Childrens Charities, whose ownership of several tracks transformed NASCAR into a national phenomenon, Gordon tweeted. Smith, 88, has a good prognosis, said his son Marcus . He was 95. Im going to miss him. The whole idea at that time was that I was going to be a race car driver, Smith later recalled, according to the Speedway Motorsports statement. A few days later,Smith, sitting in the owner's suite as theCoca-Cola 600took the green flag at Charlotte Motor Speedway, told a small group of reporters he had all but given up hope of being chosen for the Hall. He founded Speedway Motorsports, which owns and operates 11 . Humpy Wheeler turned the track, actually located in Concord, N.C., into an auto racing palace, adding huge grandstands, condominiums and other innovations unheard of in racing circles at the time. Bruton built his race tracks employing a simple philosophy: Give race fans memories they will cherish for a lifetime.. I had never done that, but I promoted a race in Midland, North Carolina, and I made a little bit of money, so I thought Id try it again.. You hear us preach about fan friendly. I think that is a driver for me to just do more things. Since its inception, Speedway Childrens Charities has distributed more than $61 million to improve the quality of life for children in need. Bruton Smith, the visionary and combative executive who helped shape NASCAR into the sport it is today, died Wednesday. I sure loved him. The two largest operators of racetracks in the country rarely saw eye-to-eye, but Smith, with his gold-framed shaded sunglasses and wild sport coats, never backed down. Example video title will go here for this video. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. He is the son of SMI CEO Bruton Smith. The Coca-Cola 600 to this day is considered a crown jewel on the NASCAR calendar. I think it may be that they think Im tougher than I am. But the greatest man I ever met was Bruton Smith," said Gossage, who retired last summer. BRUTON SMITH: Tickled by NASCAR Hall selection, positive reaction, "It will truly be an honor to be remembered at the Hall of Fame along with people like Dale Earnhardt,Richard Petty,Glen Wood,Junior Johnson,Darrell Waltripand so many others who helped build this sport," Smith said in a statement released by Charlotte Motor Speedway when he learned he was tapped in May 2015. His vision and legacy inspired many, and his fan-first mentality remains today through his son, Marcus. He was always on the leading edge at his tracks more seats, more pomp and ceremony, said NASCAR team owner Roger Penske. "We are not close" said MEC Chair Garth Thompson. Smith died June 22 of natural causes. Bruton Smith, the owner and primary visionary for Speedway Motorsports Inc., has spent the past few months battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. His Sonic Automotive Group ranks among the biggest auto dealerships in the U.S. Smith was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016. [3] He became vice president of business development in 2001, and was made director in 2004. A Speedway Motorsports statement announcing his death said he died of natural causes.. Brutons contribution to stock car racing is hard to measure, said fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. His ambitious vision created growth and opportunities that I am forever thankful for.. CHARLOTTE, N.C. ( WJHL) Bruton Smith, founder and executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports, died Wednesday of natural causes, according to a press release from the company. The two largest operators of racetracks in the country rarely saw eye-to-eye, but Smith, with his gold-framed shaded sunglasses and wild sport coats, never backed down. The suspected poison attacks are said to have been lasting at least three months and are ongoing. Everyone knows what hes done for motorsports, NHRA & NASCAR. Smith purchased Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1990, built Texas Motor Speedway outside of Dallas, and bought Las Vegas Motor Speedway, taking NASCAR onto the national stage and far beyond the small tracks in places like Rockingham and Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Hall of Fame inductee Bruton Smith entertains the crowd as his son, Marcus Smith, left, looks on during NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File) Author: JENNA FRYER (AP Auto Racing Writer) Published: 5:12 PM EDT June 22, 2022 . Bruton Smith with Dale Earnhardt Sr. (Bristol Motor Speedway) BRISTOL, Tenn. (WVLT) - Speedway Motorsports Executive Chairman Bruton Smith, who built Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway into a one-of-a-kind world-renowned sports and entertainment destination, passed away on June 22, 2022. ", Smith in 2016 was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame for his contributions to motorsports. His legacy will live on.. "He was like a second father to me. People from all across NASCAR weighed in on Smiths lifetime of contributions to the sport in the wake of his death. All Rights Reserved. Funeral arrangements were pending. Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Charlotte area sports - only $1 a month. Getty Images. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. Undeterred, Smith continued to promote races. Stock car maven O. Bruton Smith attended his first auto race at age 8, promoted events on a dirt track in Midland, North Carolina as a teen, and opened the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1960 at. A Speedway Motorsports statement announcing his death said he. Bruton Smith (center), seen in 2016 with son Marcus Smith (left) and NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, has died at the age of 95, according to one of the companies he founded. [2] In 1999, Smith led talks between SMI and Lowe's Corporation, Inc. to sell the naming rights of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jun 22, 2022. Astronauts and artists. Hendrick followed France and discussed his friendship with the Smith family. In 2005, he was placed #207 on the Forbes 400 list with a net worth of $1.5 billion, but he dropped to #278 in 2006. Everything is hard work.. I sure loved him. FILE - Hall of Fame inductee Bruton Smith entertains the crowd as his son, Marcus Smith, left, looks on during NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. It should be the last episodes. appreciated. Given his experience, Smith became passionate about wanting to help . They argued about race dates, race purses, the expansion of the Sprint Cup Series and other subjects over the years. He was 95. The youngest of nine children, Smith said in 2008 that his parents taught us what work was all about, according to a Speedway Motorsports statement. Smith became known for building state-of-the-art facilities that embraced the fan experience. And I wouldnt be surprised if he is sitting with God and telling him about the new project he wants to do., Bill Evans, a Charlotte business owner and former Jaguar car salesman, said before the service he found Smiths life and career unbelievable.. "Bruton built his race tracks employing a simple philosophy; give face fans memories they will cherish for a lifetime. You cant fight your mom and God, so I stopped driving.. His legacy will live on.". Hailing from Minnesota, Ellis L. Williams joined the Observer in October 2021 to cover the Carolina Panthers. Bruton Smith, the legendary businessman and racing promoter, died Wednesday. A lot of people dont have that gift because they didnt grow up working. Born March 2, 1927,. He recalled sitting at the Texas Motor Speedway in 1997 and thinking, How could someone dream of something like this? In 1959, Smith and colleague Curtis Turner (who was also a top NASCAR driver) began construction of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Bruton checked all those boxes, France said. His son, Marcus, the current president and CEO, on Tuesday posted a tribute to his father on social media: "I had a wonderful Father's Day weekend. Bruton Smith, a key promoter and track operator and a pioneer in auto racing, died at 95, NASCAR reported and Speedway Motorsports Inc. announced Wednesday afternoon. The NASCAR family mourns the loss of Hall of Famer and visionary track operator, Bruton Smith. "He was like a second father to me. The track construction costs ran well past budget, and Smith eventually lost control of the speedway in bankruptcy proceedings. I'm going to miss him. He was 95. He helped grow not just NASCAR, but all kinds of racing. He oversaw the creation of speedways in new markets such as Dallas-Fort Worth, and races at upgraded facilities spanning from Sonoma, California, and Las Vegas eastward to Loudon, New Hampshire, and Dover, Delaware, would often comprise a large bulk of NASCARs yearly schedule. David Bruton Smith is CEO of Sonic. Did you encounter any technical issues? Here are his plans. He could bluff with the best of them, Max Muhleman, a former sports marketing executive in Charlotte who covered racing for the Charlotte News in the 1950s, told the Observer in 2007. He would throw the ax through the window, Wheeler told the Observer. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department spokesperson told the Observer that "the victim stated the suspect assaulted and unlawfully restrained her without her consent.. Knowing the Frances and Bruton, neither one of them wanted to let the other get ahead of them, said former driver Darrell Waltrip. I want to contribute more and more, Smith said in 2015. A Warner Bros. We both grew up on a farm and loved cars and racing.. "Race fans are, and always will be, the lifeblood of NASCAR. Jay Weston funeral, burial service, pictures, date, time, venue, Hajia4Real tops Twitter trends following U.S. jail reports, Sulley Muntari, Agyeman Badu, Asamoah Gyan, others visit Christian Atsus family home, VIDEO: Government will be fully involved in providing Christian Atsu a befitting burial Dr. Bawumia, Christian Atsus mortal remains arrive in Ghana via Turkish Airlines, Maybe I created enemies along the line Kofi Amoabeng on UT Banks collapse, Christian Atsu was one of Ghanas finest personnel Akufo-Addo. He was 95. And then make it happen., It tells you something about the legendary drive that Bruton had, Gibbs said. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. God made Bruton. Everyone knows what he's done for motorsports, @NHRA & @NASCAR. Bruton Smith's life, business A lover of people, racing and charity, Smith founded and was CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., which owns and operates 11 tracks across the country, including. Melissa Burden Sonic Automotive Inc. CEO Scott Smith is stepping down and the nation's fifth-largest auto retailer said it promoted his brother David Smith to CEO and named Jeff Dyke as. I sure loved him. Published But if you are on a family farm, thats what you do. Its not just the money. Smith died Wednesday at age 95. Read More FILE - Hall of Fame inductee Bruton Smith entertains the crowd as his son, Marcus Smith, left, looks on during NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. Their children also were friends, Hendrick told The Charlotte Observer Wednesday. Bruton Smith makes his Hall of Fame acceptance speech on January 23, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The whole idea at that time was that I was going to be a race car driver. I learned to drive, but that career didn't last long, Smith said about his early start, claiming his mother prayed for him to find another passion. Ollen Bruton Smith (March 3, 1927 - June 22, 2022) was a promoter and owner/ CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. "The whole idea at that time was that I was going to be a race car driver. Humpy Wheeler, Smith was responsible for among many other things fan-focused innovations at Charlotte, including building condominiums in Turn 1, the upscale Speedway Club high above the front stretch and installing lights. There was a whole lot of unrest with the drivers and car owners at that time, Speedway Motorsports officials quoted Smith as saying at the time. . After losing his young child, Smith became passionate about wanting to help children in need. Born March 2, 1927, on a farm in Oakboro, a small town 30 miles east of Charlotte, Ollen Bruton Smith was the youngest of nine children. While Delta pilots have signed a new contract and American pilots appear to be moving quickly towards one, United pilots appear to be lagging. Bruton Smith, a North Carolina native and entrepreneur who fell in love with auto racing and parlayed it into a career as an eccentric . "We had so much fun working together. Their experience provides marketing, promotional and operational expertise generating the best entertainment experience and marketing values in the motorsports industry. Through much of his auto racing career, Smith was at odds with first Bill France Sr. and later Bill France Jr., who followed his father into the NASCAR presidency. In 1959, he partnered with NASCAR driver Curtis Turner and built his first permanent motorsports facility, Charlotte Motor Speedway. One of the things we pushed real hard for was finishing races under green (flag), Wheeler said. Smith was on the ground floor as stock car racing grew in popularity, starting in the Deep South. 6 things to know about the late race track billionaire, Bruton Smith timeline: From a rural NC farm to fame and fortune on NASCAR tracks, Bruton Smith, legendary race promoter and founder of Charlotte Motor Speedway, has died. "I've met American Presidents and scholars. Smith joked he was unlucky enough to be appointed by a committee of frustrated racers and car owners to begin promoting races. Marcus Smith, son of SMI founder, crafts fan experience at Charlotte. Rockinghams lone remaining Cup Series date went to Texas. What people dont realize about Bruton is that he had a rough edge but a big heart.. According to records on the Mecklenburg County Sherrif's Office website, Smith was released Monday afternoon. The son of George Martin Bruton and Martha L. Christian. Smith was also rumored to want to split off from NASCAR entirely, buying off some of the best drivers and developing his own race series at his own tracks. That needed to be changed and eventually they did it. He dedicated his life to speedways and improving the racing experience for fans everywhere. Hall of Fame inductee Bruton Smith entertains the crowd as his son, Marcus Smith, left, looks on during NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File), York City Police looking for missing teen. He had an estimated worth of $1.5 billion in 2005. Along with former SMI president H.A. Smith became known for building state-of-the-art facilities that embraced the fan experience. Manchester City are now ready to sell Bernardo Silva to FC Barcelona and have named their asking price for the Portuguese midfielder, according to reports. Smith founded a nonprofit, Speedway Children's Charities. But, always thinking big, he would later be known as one of NASCARs great innovators. "Our sole concern at SCC is to help a child in . CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 22, 2022 -- ( BUSINESS WIRE )--A visionary and transformative figure in both business and entertainment, Ollen Bruton Smith, the founder and executive chairman of Sonic. Smith sold his first car, a 1939 Buick sedan, for a small profit and continued to sell cars from his mothers front yard, according to the Speedway Motorsports statement. Smith assumed control of several . 2023 Cable News Network. Smith was no stranger to controversies off the track. At an early age, Bruton decided he liked money, and spent the rest of his life accumulatingand spendingit. It was important for me to come and pay my respects to him., Gibbs, NASCAR Hall of Famer and executive Jim France and Rick Hendrick, a businessman whos a NASCAR team owner and founder of Hendrick Automotive Group, all delivered words of remembrance during the hourlong service. "We had so much fun working together. Ive met American Presidents and scholars. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Bruton Smith, a longtime fixture in NASCAR and a Hall of Fame inductee for building and promoting auto racing events nationwide, died Wednesday at age 95 of natural causes, according to a. NASCAR team owner and former NFL coach Joe Gibbs was one of three service speakers. Eddie Gossage, who worked for Smith at Charlotte before leaving to help open Texas Motor Speedway and guide it through its first 25 years, paid tribute to his former boss. Smiths ideas often flew in the face of NASCARs more traditional standards. Smith founded Sonic Automotive in early 1997 and took it public 11 months later; in 2000, it was recognized as a Fortune 500 company and has hundreds of dealerships in over 20 states. You can't fight your mom and God, so I stopped driving.. Bruton Smith, right, was inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016. The tracks host NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA and other series in Hampton, Georgia; Bristol, Tennessee; Concord, North Carolina; Loudon, New Hampshire; Sonoma, California; Fort Worth, Texas; Dover, Delaware; Nashville, Tennessee; North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; Sparta, Kentucky, and Las Vegas. He was 95. CNN Bruton Smith, a longtime fixture in NASCAR and a Hall of Fame inductee for building and promoting auto racing events nationwide, died Wednesday at age 95 of natural causes, according to. In 2006, Smith also was inducted intothe North Carolina Business Hall of Fame and National Motorsports Press Associations Hall of Fame. Sam Gannon cause of death, wife, children, net worth, Barbara Everitt Bryant funeral, burial service, pictures, date, time, venue. "Bruton Smith has been one of my heroes since I started racing in NASCAR in 1972." In addition to his business interests, Smith founded Speedway Children's Charities in 1982 as a memoriam and legacy to his son, Bruton Cameron Smith, who passed away at a very young age. Currently, Speedway Motorsports owns an array of properties, including 10 tracks with Cup Series dates, including Dover, Bristol, Atlanta, Texas, and Las Vegas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. O. Bruton Smith, who emerged from North Carolina farm country and parlayed his love of motorsports into a Hall of Fame career as one of the biggest track owners and most. Opened in 1966, his first dealership was Frontier Ford in Rockford, Ill, where he married and started a family. Bruton Smith, a North Carolina businessman who became one of the most prolific track owners and promoters in the history of NASCAR, died Wednesday of natural causes at the age of 95 . A lot of people don't have that gift because they didn't grow up working. He helped build our sport. Debts incurred in great part by construction problems and delays put Smith and the track into bankruptcy two years later. France said Smith is one of the pioneers of NASCAR. Bruton Smith, who was born and raised in the nearby rural community of Oakboro, North Carolina, was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016. Sonic Automotive CEO David Bruton Smith was arrested Monday in Charlotteand charged with multiple felonies including assault on a woman and assault by strangulation. Family, loved ones and admirers of Bruton Smith paid their final respects to the businessman and NASCAR Hall of Famer on Thursday. He had his hands in all of it, and even though hes gone, his fingerprints remain. Speedway Motorsports, Inc. announced Smiths death, saying it occurred due to natural causes. Smith was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 during the Korean War. The company owns and operates several auto raceways including the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Charlotte. After leaving the Army in 1953, he learned that mismanagement in his absence had forced his racing organization to dissolve. Ollen Bruton Smith, the founder and executive chairman of Sonic Automotive, Speedway Motorsports and Speedway Children's Charities died today of natural causes. He was 95. [1] He started working at Charlotte Motor Speedway during summers as an intern picking up trash, selling tickets and souvenirs, and cutting the grass. It's amazing the reaction about this, and I think that's very special.". Staff writers Adam Bell, Jonathan Limehouse and Joe Marusak contributed. ", "Everyone knows what he's done for motorsports, NHRA and NASCAR," drag racing great John Force said. I met him when he opened Bristol. Hed get his people together, and if they came up with an idea, he went and did it.. Smiths resentment toward NASCAR founder Bill France and, later, Bill France Jr., came over power struggles about track acquisitions and race dates. Few made a bigger impact to help the sport grow, Humpy Wheeler: Bruton Smith was the Ritz Carlton and I was Holiday Inn, Who was Bruton Smith? Smith joked he was "unlucky enough" to be appointed by a committee of frustrated racers and car owners to begin promoting races. Ollen Bruton Smith, more famously known as Bruton Smith, one of the most progressive and colorful innovators in the history of motorsports, passed away Wednesday from natural causes at the. And along the way, he helped a lot of families build better lives.. Why fans love it, AlphaTauri team principal denies F1 team for sale, Concussion lingers for former NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, IndyCar spotlights stars, racing and sustainability in 2023, AUTO RACING: F1, IndyCar seasons begin; Busch dominant, Marco Andretti returns to SRX to defend championship, Formula One, Tottenham team up for kart track at stadium, NASCARs Bruton Smith had a one-of-a-kind life, knocking down doors the whole way, NASCAR world reacts to Bruton Smiths death. I want to put something on so regardless who won the race, it will be a memorable experience. Bruton Smith, one of the richest people in the United States, according to Forbes magazine, was known for his auto racing empire but also owned and operated automobile dealerships across the country under Sonic Automotive, launched in November 1997. Smith established Speedway Racing in December 1994 by merging his motorsports businesses, and in February 1995, he made it the first motorsports firm to list on the New York Stock Exchange. Brutons legacy and incredible accomplishments in and contributions to NASCAR will forever remain in our minds, our archives, at the cathedrals of speed he built and celebrated at the NASCAR Hall of Fame forever.. Credited by Roger Penske as a man who brought "so much to NASCAR," the founder and executive chairman of . To come from a small Carolina town and amassing all the accomplishments that he did. He could look you in the eye and say something, and youd be afraid he was deadly serious. FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez took advantage of their teams' Copa del Rey semi-final first leg meeting on Thursday to meet and discuss a strategy for the launch the European Super League (ESL), according to reports. Smith played a major role in transforming American motorsports into the consumer-friendly product it is today.
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