David Bruton Smith is CEO of Sonic. Efforts by the Charlotte Observer to both reach Smith and obtain a police report Wednesday were unsuccessful. Born Ollen Bruton Smith in 1927, the North Carolinian worked as a track promoter before making his mark designing and building Charlotte Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval now known for annually hosting NASCARs longest race at 600 miles in length. "You hear us preach about 'fan friendly.' I think we all followed that.. A Speedway Motorsports statement announcing his death said he died of natural causes.. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016 for his contributions to the sport. 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. He took NASCAR and the tracks to some really unique places. After Pastor Livingston led the congregation in signing Amazing Grace, France spoke first, remembering his friends full and well-lived life., I think we all hope that our time on Earth is of meaning and purpose, and will make a positive difference in the lives of our families, friends, folks we work with, our country and society. People from all across NASCAR weighed in on Smiths lifetime of contributions to the sport in the wake of his death. He helped grow not just NASCAR, but all kinds of racing. 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. I enjoy the contributions I've been able to make to the sport.". 1988 was a rough year for Bruton Smith. Smith founded the company that is Speedway Motorsports and owns nine tracks that host Cup races, including Nashville Superspeedway, which hosts the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series this weekend. . After being ordered to replace the trees, Smith instead sold the property. I am so thankful to be a dad, and to have an amazing dad, said the post, which was accompanied by photos of Smith surrounded by his family. 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. Smith died Wednesday at age 95. This story was originally published June 22, 2022, 4:25 PM. Speedway Motorsports, the company he founded, was the first motorsports company to trade on the New York Stock Exchange and it currently owns 11 facilities across the United States. 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. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. Stenhouse's Daytona win shows the 500 is 'crazier' than ever, Marco Andretti to defend SRX all-star series title, McLaren braced for slow start to F1 season, Haas save $250,000 with slimmed-down pitwall, IndyCar to use sustainable tires made of shrub, Verstappen pips Alonso to open F1 testing, Wolff: 2023 Mercedes car 'has no bouncing issue', Ferrari move head of strategy Rueda out of role, Hamilton says Mercedes a long way off pace, Alonso pumps brakes on Aston Martin hype train, Russell: Red Bull in a league of their own, How to watch the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix on ESPN, ESPN+, Hamilton permitted to race with nose stud, 'Fighter' Hamilton quashes Mercedes exit talk, Hamilton: F1 duty-bound to raise human rights concerns, McLaren to run rotating digital sponsor panels, Stroll to race in Bahrain with pins in broken wrist. In 2006, Smith also was inducted intothe North Carolina Business Hall of Fame and National Motorsports Press Associations Hall of Fame. Prior, he spent two years reporting on the Browns for Cleveland.com/the Plain Dealer. Logos for Charlotte Motor Speedway and Sonic Automotive Group during the funeral service Thursday stood beside Smiths casket, which was topped with a collection of white roses and lilies. Thomas Strahan was fired from the job he held at Lake Norman High since 2017, authorities said. Smith was executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports, which owns and operates auto racing speedways across the country. Ollen Bruton Smith was born on March 2, 1927, the youngest of nine children, and grew up on a farm in North Carolina. On Wednesday, Smith died at the age of 95, marking the end of a NASCAR Hall of Fame career during which he became one of motorsports most successful and influential race promoters and track owners. He had an estimated worth of $1.5 billion in 2005. The latter is currently serving as the president and chief operating officer as well as director of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorports, Inc. Marcus G. Smith rose through the ranks to his current position as president, chief operating officer and director of SMI as of May 28 . Also in 2004, he became the executive vice president of national sales and marketing for SMI. 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. Press Esc to cancel. He was 95. "We had so much fun working together. But if you are on a family farm, thats what you do. By JENNA FRYER Associated Press. The previous year, he overcame a case of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, receiving a clean bill of health after surgery during the summer of 2015. 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. He was 95. Smith instead became an entrepreneur promoting his first race at age 18 and became one of the giants in stock car racing. 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. More than two dozen flower bouquets lined the front of the church as the choir stood shoulder-to-shoulder, below an illuminated cross mounted on the wall. As a young man, Smith thought hed be a racer. Our Founder O. Bruton Smith (1927 - 2022) Directors Marcus G. Smith David Bruton Smith Here are his plans. He was like a 2nd father to me, I met him when he opened Bristol. Marcus G. Smith is one of the 4 children of the late Bruton Smith. 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. That needed to be changed and eventually they did it. Smith instead became an entrepreneur -- promoting his first race at age 18 -- and became one of the giants in stock car racing. In the years that followed, Smith found success opening several automotive dealerships. What people dont realize about Bruton is that he had a rough edge but a big heart.. 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. According to records on the Mecklenburg County Sherrif's Office website, Smith was released Monday afternoon. Marcus Smith, his son and president of the company his father led for decades, said on social media, While we mourn the passing of my father, we also rejoice for the life he lived and for the amazing legacy he left to inspire us all.. But the greatest man I ever met was Bruton Smith," said Gossage, who retired last summer. Undeterred, Smith continued to promote races. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. He was always on the leading edge at his tracks more seats, more pomp and ceremony, said NASCAR team owner Roger Penske. All Rights Reserved. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. France said Smith is one of the pioneers of NASCAR. Smith began his career in motorsports as a short-track race promoter in Cabarrus County. Smith was on the ground floor as stock car racing grew in popularity, starting in the Deep South. Bruton Smith was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007. Both Marcus and David are the son of Bruton Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports and a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. He made an extraordinary impact on the industry and lived such an impressive life, David Morton, a member of the North Carolina Motorsports Association, said before the service Thursday. I'm going to miss him. Outside the family farm, he was only 12 when he started his first job, working at a local saw mill, according to Speedway Motorsports. More than two dozen flower bouquets lined the front of Central Church. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. Instead, he moved to the business side of sports and promoted his first race while still a teenager. Sons Scott, Marcus, and David are survivors, as with his daughter Anna Lisa, their mother, Bonnie Smith, and seven grandkids. Elmina died 1 Oct 1880 in Troy. The track was known as Lowe's Motor Speedway until 2009 when a deal could not be reached to extend the contract. The Coca-Cola 600 to this day is considered a crown jewel on the NASCAR calendar. 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. Everyone knows what hes done for motorsports, NHRA & NASCAR. He partnered with Curtis Turner in 1959 to build Smith's first permanent motorsports facility, Charlotte Motor Speedway. Marcus G. Smith (born 1973) is president and chief executive officer and director of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorports, Inc.(SMI) and general manager of SMI owned Charlotte Motor Speedway. It's amazing the reaction about this, and I think that's very special.". Marcus Smith, son of SMI founder, crafts fan experience at Charlotte. A trailblazer in countless ways.We pay tribute to Bruton Smith's life and legacy. His legacy will live on.. pic.twitter.com/6Zuhiqnx69. Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon credited Smith for helping to grow NASCAR beyond its roots as a predominantly Southern sport. Smith assumed control of several other tracks, including Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and formed Speedway Motorsports, Inc. to run the facilities. When Concord City Council voted in 2007 to stop Smith from building what is now zMax Dragway, he threatened to shut down the speedway and build another one (along with a dragway) somewhere else. [2], Smith assumed theposition as president, chief operating officer and director of SMI on May 28, 2009 after H.A. He is survived by sons Marcus, Scott and David, daughter Anna Lisa, their mother Bonnie Smith as well as seven grandchildren. 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. Bruton had all kinds of ideas, and money never seemed to be an object, said hall-of-fame driver Richard Petty in 2016. He watched his first race as an 8-year-old during the Depression and bought his first race car at 17 for $700. AP Auto Racing Writer. Did you encounter any technical issues? To come from a small Carolina town and amassing all the accomplishments that he did. SMI's holdings include 11 racing facilities that currently host 15 NASCAR Cup Series events in 2022, including four of the series 10 playoff races. LEGENDARY PEDIGREE: Marcus Smith, son of SMI founder, crafts fan experience at Charlotte. He worked for decades before he got to a place where he had a few pennies to rub together, son Marcus Smith, now president of SMI, told the Observer in 2016. Smith, a native of. Smith founded a nonprofit, Speedway Children's Charities. Bu if you are on a family farm, that's what you do. Smith was the billionaire founder and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a group of race tracks that includes Charlotte Motor Speedway. Died: June 22, 2022 ( Who else died on June 22?) Chris Dolmetsch. He dedicated his life to speedways and improving the racing experience for fans everywhere. Trained as a paratrooper, Smith was never deployed overseas. The nonagenarian is also the executive chairman and director of Sonic Automotive, which owns 106 car dealerships in 13 states. NASCAR team owner and former NFL coach Joe Gibbs was one of three service speakers. 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 successful promoters, died Wednesday. My parents taught us what work was all about, Smith said in 2008. Their known children: Bannie Ashia Bruton Smith 1875-1931 Carmanious Nias Carmie Bruton 1875-1952 He was married. Smith also founded Speedway Childrens Charities in 1982 in memory of his late son Bruton Cameron Smith. He was 95. I learned to drive, but that career didnt last long., His mother started fighting dirty, Smith recalled with a laugh in a 2005 interview with Motorsport.com, Speedway Motorsports officials said. But Smith returned to the sport in 1959, joining driver Curtis Turner to build Charlotte Motor Speedway after he and Turner had announced separate plans to build tracks in the Charlotte area. Stroll to race in Bahrain after missing F1 testing, AlphaTauri denies talk of sale by Red Bull, Everything you need to know about F1's 2023 season, Bahrain rights group urges F1 drivers to speak up. 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. It opened in June 1960 with a 600-mile race, the longest in NASCAR history. He and former track president H.A. 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. He was like a 2nd father to me, I met him when he opened Bristol. Come right down to it, Im a softie kind of person.. Race fans are, and always will be, the lifeblood of NASCAR. His legacy will live on. Bruton Smith, one of the city's richest men, has been ordered to pay his ex-wife $21 million in the next 10 years, a divorce settlement that includes more cash than what Ivana Trump got from. He founded Speedway Motorsports, which owns and operates 11 . Smith's brother, Marcus, is the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will be hosting NASCAR races this weekend. 2023 Cable News Network. Smith was inducted into NASCAR's 2016Hall of Fame class. Bruton Smith was the founder and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, who owned NASCAR tracks including the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hed get his people together, and if they came up with an idea, he went and did it.. "Bruton built his race tracks employing a simple philosophy; give face fans memories they will cherish for a lifetime. "He was like a second father to me. Astronauts and artists. I love the racing business, he said at the time. Just brave enough to try anything.. Brock Lesnar could be making his WWE exit in the near future. Speedway Motorsports, the company he founded, was the first motorsports company to trade on the New York Stock Exchange and it currently owns 11 facilities across the United States. Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife, son in June 2021, Alex Murdaughs attorneys say theyll appeal double-murder conviction, Video shows driver nearly hitting 2 students crossing NC road to board their bus, NASCARs Bruton Smith had a one-of-a-kind life, knocking down doors the whole way, Photos through the years: Bruton Smith, Charlotte Motor Speedway founder, NASCAR world reacts to Bruton Smiths death. 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. Bruton Smith, a pioneer-turned-titan in both auto retailing and motorsports, leveraged small roles selling cars and promoting dirt-track races to create two business giants: Sonic Automotive. Will 2023 IndyCar season see a changing of the guard? A charitable side. Race fans are, and always will be, the lifeblood of NASCAR. Smith founded Speedway Motorsports, which is now run by Smiths son, and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. CEO, Marcus Smith. News anchor Fred Shropshire is leaving Charlotte station WCNC. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007 and the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame a year earlier. Ollen Bruton Smith (March 3, 1927 - June 22, 2022) was a promoter and owner/ CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. 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 successful promoters in the history of auto racing, died Wednesday. Im a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races, and its been fun to always try and push the sport to greater heights for the fans, Smith told the Associated Press in 2015. They entered their dogs in fights and watched them die. Opened in 1966, his first dealership was Frontier Ford in Rockford, Ill, where he married and started a family. 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.