Ollen Bruton Smith (March 3, 1927 - June 22, 2022) was a promoter and owner/ CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. pic.twitter.com/ldwu87mplI. Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Kentucky Speedway are among the 11 motorsports entertainment facilities owned and operated by his company. 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. 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. The previous year, he overcame a case of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, receiving a clean bill of health after surgery during the summer of 2015. NASCAR Hall of Fame track owner and promoter Bruton Smith dies at 95 His death was announced by Speedway Motorsports, which cited natural of causes. Smith began promoting dirt-track races in North Carolina as an 18-year-old. The native of Oakboro . 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. Smiths ideas often flew in the face of NASCARs more traditional standards. Race fans are, and always will be, the lifeblood of NASCAR. 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. Legendary NHRA funny car champion John Force had this to say about Smiths death: Im really sad to hear about the passing of Bruton Smith. The Smith family grew cotton, corn and wheat and owned some cattle. 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. 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. The top-ranked pie in North Carolina doesnt look like pie at all. Press Esc to cancel. He was 95. Smith is survived by his four children and seven grandchildren. Type above and press Enter to search. Smith slowly began to work his way up the SMI corporate ladder, becoming a sales associate in 1996 and manager of new business development in 1999. NASCAR Hall of Fame pioneer, promotor Bruton Smith dies at 95 - USA TODAY 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. [2] In 1999, Smith led talks between SMI and Lowe's Corporation, Inc. to sell the naming rights of Charlotte Motor Speedway. In business, if youre negotiating you are battling, Smith once said. His tracks have condominiums, Speedway Clubs that offer fine dining and giant, high-definition video screens. Smith who didnt drink, smoke or swear was also known for his numerous feuds with NASCAR and local governments, many of which played out in public. 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. Smith, a native of Oakboro, North Carolina, was born March 3, 1927. . 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 Charlotte Motor Speedway. Smith gradually bought back shares of the track and regained control in 1975. Bruton built his race tracks employing a simple philosophy; give race fans memories they will cherish for a lifetime. He had his hands in all of it, and even though hes gone, his fingerprints remain.. Bruton Smith reveals non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis Jim France called Smith "a giant of a sport. "You can't fight your mom and God, so I stopped driving.". Ive met American Presidents and scholars. 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. "Race fans are, and always will be, the lifeblood of NASCAR. But that was just the beginning for Smith, who built the 1.5-mile Charlotte track with partner Curtis Turner. Astronauts and artists. Sonic Automotive CEO Indicted on Assault Charge in Choking Case Hendrick spoke about his deep love for Smith, rooted in their farm boy upbringing and obsessive passion for cars and racing. At an early age, Bruton decided he liked money, and spent the rest of his life accumulatingand spendingit. 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. 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. Smith's brother, Marcus, is the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will be hosting NASCAR races this weekend. 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. Bu if you are on a family farm, that's what you do. Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith dies at 95 | WNCT He was 95. SPEEDWAY OWNER LIVES IN FAST LANE - Greensboro News and Record What people dont realize about Bruton is that he had a rough edge but a big heart.. But if you are on a family farm, thats what you do. 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. He was 95. Bruton built his race tracks employing a simple philosophy: Give race fans memories they will cherish for a lifetime.. ", "Everyone knows what he's done for motorsports, NHRA and NASCAR," drag racing great John Force said. He was a personal friend. 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. "I think I gave up on it at least a year or two years ago. The council relented, and the dragway was eventually built adjacent to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. Sad News - Bruton Smith UPDATE: Services Announced - Jayski's NASCAR Smith was no stranger to controversies off the track. Marcus G. Smith is one of the 4 children of the late Bruton Smith. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department spokesperson told the Observer that "the victim stated the suspect assaulted and unlawfully restrained her without her consent.. 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. Bristols track features the worlds largest outdoor, permanent, center-hung digital display. His legacy will live on. When he was 22, in 1949, Smith went into direct competition with NASCAR, forming the National Stock Car Racing Association, which staged races in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Smith founded a nonprofit, Speedway Children's Charities. Speedway Motorsports said Smith died of natural causes. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. SMI also owns the Performance Racing Network, which features radio broadcasts of NASCAR races and other motorsports-related content. In 1959, Smith and colleague Curtis Turner (who was also a top NASCAR driver) began construction of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Sonic Automotive CEO David Smith arrested for assault and strangulation This weekend, NASCAR is set to race at the Nashville Superspeedway, which was purchased by Speedway Motorsports last year. Bruton Smith funeral live updates and video in Charlotte, NC A Speedway Motorsports statement announcing his death said he. His 17-year marriage to his wife, Bonnie Harris Smith, 43, effectively came to an end that year. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. Opened in 1966, his first dealership was Frontier Ford in Rockford, Ill, where he married and started a family. A Speedway Motorsports statement announcing his death said he. 2023 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. [3] He became vice president of business development in 2001, and was made director in 2004. All Rights Reserved. God made Bruton. Hailing from Minnesota, Ellis L. Williams joined the Observer in October 2021 to cover the Carolina Panthers. I want to contribute more and more," Smith said in 2015. He recalled sitting at the Texas Motor Speedway in 1997 and thinking, How could someone dream of something like this? By JENNA FRYER Associated Press. NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers, visionaries and innovators, Hall Executive Director Winston Kelley said in a statement. Follow us on Twitter@sportscasting19and subscribe to ourYouTube channel. Both Marcus and David are the son of Bruton Smith, CEO of Speedway . And along the way, he helped a lot of families build better lives.. You can't fight your mom and God, so I stopped driving.. Smith founded Speedway Motorsports, which is now run by Smiths son, and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. CEO, Marcus Smith. Smith's brother, Marcus, is the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will be hosting NASCAR races this weekend. Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR mogul Bruton Smith has died | Raleigh He took NASCAR and the tracks to some really unique places. Hendrick called Smith an unbelievable innovator who never quit coming up with ideas to improve things or grow things, including four-wide drag racing. Ollen Bruton Smith was a NASCAR track promoter and the owner/CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. On January 23, 2016, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 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. 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. His death was announced by Speedway Motorsports, which cited natural causes. appreciated. Smith said he had received permission from Charlotte government officials to cut them down, something they denied. A lot of people don't have that gift because they didn't grow up working. Marcus G. Smith - Wikipedia The son of George Martin Bruton and Martha L. Christian. 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. Bruton Smith, the visionary and combative executive who helped shape NASCAR into the sport it is today, died Wednesday. His Sonic Automotive Group ranks among the nations biggest auto dealerships. 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? Parent (s) James Smith, Mollie Smith. But times were difficult. Few knew this better than Bruton Smith," said NASCAR chairman Jim France. Bruton was a builder. Born on March 2, 1927, Smith grew up in the Stanly County town of Oakboro, roughly 30 miles southeast of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. He was Ritz Carlton; I was Holiday Inn.. Thats what we all needed., Race fans are, and always will be, the lifeblood of NASCAR, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said on Twitter. 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. Bruton Smith: The Motorsports World Reacts to the Death - Sportscasting Family, loved ones and admirers of Bruton Smith paid their final respects to the businessman and NASCAR Hall of Famer on Thursday. There was a long-going argument about whether Smiths speedway in Texas deserved a second date on the NASCAR schedule (it eventually got one). Im going to miss 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. Their children also were friends, Hendrick told The Charlotte Observer Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/6Zuhiqnx69. Sam Gannon cause of death, wife, children, net worth, Barbara Everitt Bryant funeral, burial service, pictures, date, time, venue. 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. 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. He helped grow not just NASCAR, but all kinds of racing. Bruton Smith died of natural causes Wednesday. Look at all he did in building a world-class motor speedway and automobile dealership, Evans said. We had a meeting and I was unlucky enough to be appointed a committee of one to promote a race. NASCAR races this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway, a track that was purchased by Speedway Motorsports late last year. Once in a lifetime, Charlotte Waffle House found with live roach, unclean equipment during health inspection. 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. History | About | Speedway Children's Charities This story was originally published June 22, 2022, 4:25 PM. Elmina died 1 Oct 1880 in Troy. Also in 2004, he became the executive vice president of national sales and marketing for SMI. The tracks host NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA and other series in Atlanta; Bristol, Tennessee; Charlotte; Las Vegas; New Hampshire; Sonoma, California; Texas; Dover, Delaware; Nashville, Tennessee; North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; and Kentucky. 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. Few knew this truth better than Bruton Smith. Smith was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 during the Korean War. Motorsports trailblazer Bruton Smith passes away - WVLT-TV 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. In 2007, he was inducted intothe International Motorsports Hall of Fame. 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. 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. Charlotte Speedway Founder, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bruton Smith Dies at 95 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. 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. 5:41 AM EDT, Thu June 23, 2022. Smith's Speedway Motorsports owns 11 NASCAR tracks, and he also "founded Speedway Children's Charities in 1982 in memory of his late son BRUTON CAMERON SMITH." The nonprofit has "distributed more than $58 million to charities over the years" ( CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/23 ). He built successful businesses. All Rights Reserved. Discovery Company. Racing entrepreneur Bruton Smith, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, dies at age Smith, 88, has a good prognosis, said his son Marcus . I love the racing business, he said at the time. Did you encounter any technical issues? Bruton Smith, the visionary and combative executive who helped shape NASCAR into the sport it is today, died Wednesday. 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. $21 Million Divorce Settlement Ordered\ Charlotte Man to Pay More Than He was inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007. Smith was the billionaire founder and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a group of race tracks that includes Charlotte Motor Speedway. Debts incurred in great part by construction problems and delays put Smith and the track into bankruptcy two years later. 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 . Everyone knows what hes done for motorsports, NHRA & NASCAR. Smith joked he was unlucky enough to be appointed by a committee of frustrated racers and car owners to begin promoting races. But, always thinking big, he would later be known as one of NASCARs great innovators. Bruton Smith, a key promoter and track operator and a pioneer in auto racing, died at 95, NASCAR reportedand Speedway Motorsports Inc. announced Wednesday afternoon. Few knew this better than Bruton Smith," NASCAR chairman Jim France said. Bruton Smith, the legendary businessman and racing promoter, died Wednesday. Legendary businessman, philanthropist and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bruton Credited by Roger Penske as a man who brought "so much to NASCAR," the founder and executive chairman of . David Bruton Smith is CEO of Sonic. 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. Although he battled numerous health problems in his 80s, Smith remained very involved in the operation of his automobile businesses and speedways, often declaring he would never retire. In 2006, Smith also was inducted intothe North Carolina Business Hall of Fame and National Motorsports Press Associations Hall of Fame. 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.. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith dies at 95 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. Smith, executive chairman of BMS parent company, has died "You hear us preach about 'fan friendly.' Hed get his people together, and if they came up with an idea, he went and did it.. He is survived by sons Marcus, Scott and David, daughter Anna Lisa, their mother Bonnie Smith as well as seven grandchildren. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016 for his contributions to the sport. A 22-year-old race car driver from Ft. Lauderdale will become the first American on the Formula One grid since 2015 when the season opens this weekend in Bahrain. 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. Since the early days in 1959, when Speedway Motorsports, LLC Executive Chairman O. Bruton Smith began construction of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Speedway Motorsports has developed a robust history of innovation and improvement to the race experience enjoyed by our fans, sponsors, team owners, drivers, media and others. Who was Bruton Smith, NASCAR mogul and NC race track owner Years later he partnered with Curtis Turner in 1959 to build his first permanent motorsports facility, the Charlotte Motor Speedway, which would come to host NASCARs longest race at 600 miles. The track opened in June 1960 with a 600-mile race, the longest ever in NASCARs history. He had his hands in all of it, and even though hes gone, his fingerprints remain. 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. It's amazing the reaction about this, and I think that's very special.". "I love the racing business. Bruton Smith obituary: NASCAR track owner dies at 95 - Legacy.com Having escaped cold winters, hes thrilled to consume football, hoops, music and movies within the Queen City. Smith was executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports, which owns and operates auto racing speedways across the country. Legendary Businessman, Philanthropist and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bruton Smith Passes Away Smith had trailblazing careers in motorsports, philanthropy and automotive retail, serving as Founder. A year before his NASCAR Hall of Fame induction, he overcame a case of non-Hodgkins lymphoma and was deemed healthy after surgery during the summer of 2015. NASCAR races this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway, a track that was purchased by Speedway Motorsports late last year. Jim France called Smith a giant of a sport., Everyone knows what hes done for motorsports, NHRA and NASCAR," said legendary drag racer John Force.
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