Discovery Company. In 1949, he ran the National Stock Car Racing Association, a Georgia-based racing sanctioning body that was a rival to NASCAR, which Bill France Sr. had formed in 1948. I met him when he opened Bristol. 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. The NASCAR family mourns the loss of Hall of Famer and visionary track operator, 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. 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. He partnered with Curtis Turner in 1959 to build Smith's first permanent motorsports facility, Charlotte Motor Speedway. 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. Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Charlotte area sports - only $1 a month. Prior, he spent two years reporting on the Browns for Cleveland.com/the Plain Dealer. Bruton built his race tracks employing a simple philosophy; give face fans memories they will cherish for a lifetime. Bruton Smith, a North Carolina native and entrepreneur who fell in love with auto racing and parlayed it into a career as an eccentric and successful promoter, died Wednesday, June 22, 2022 of. 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. Follow us on Twitter@sportscasting19and subscribe to ourYouTube channel. 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. Smith was a key figure during NASCARs expansion in the 1990s as the sport began to transition away from a Southeast-driven sport to one with more of a national focus. Smith is survived by sons Scott, Marcus and David, daughter, Anna Lisa, their mother, Bonnie Smith and seven grandchildren. Chris RankGetty Images. And then hed bust out laughing.. Smiths ideas often flew in the face of NASCARs more traditional standards. The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1995. 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. Hed get his people together, and if they came up with an idea, he went and did it.. Bruton was married first to Elmina Henderson Hunsucker 21 Jan 1875 in Uwharrie Township, Montgomery County. Smith assumed control of several . But the greatest man I ever met was Bruton Smith," said Gossage, who retired last summer. When promoted, Smith stated "I'm going to bring the same passion to work each day that the race fans bring to the track every week. Parent (s) James Smith, Mollie Smith. Were here to entertain fans, and I want them to go home with a memory that will last forever.. A trailblazer in countless ways.We pay tribute to Bruton Smith's life and legacy. 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. Both Rockingham (North Carolina Motor Speedway) and North Wilkesboro were shuttered, and their Cup Series dates were moved to other Speedway Motorsports tracks. His death was announced by Speedway Motorsports, which cited natural causes. "I think I gave up on it at least a year or two years ago. Both Marcus and David are the son of Bruton Smith, CEO of Speedway . According to that organization's website, Smith wanted to help children in need and was moved to start the group as a legacy for Bruton Cameron Smith, asonwho died young. I think that is a driver for me to just do more things. AP Auto Racing Writer. As I look back, that was a gift, even though I certainly didnt think so at the time. 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. Bu if you are on a family farm, that's what you do. Smith, a native of Oakboro, North Carolina, was born March 3, 1927. 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. Smith was named as the oldest CEO to make the Fortune 500 list in 2012, heading several companies well into his 80s. Speedway Motorsports also owns and operates a number of subsidiaries. LEGENDARY PEDIGREE: Marcus Smith, son of SMI founder, crafts fan experience at Charlotte. Credited by Roger Penske as a man who brought "so much to NASCAR," the founder and executive chairman of . His legacy will live on. Meanwhile, a group led by businessman Richard Howard of Denver, N.C., brought the speedway out of bankruptcy in 1967. He would throw the ax through the window, Wheeler told the Observer. Smith also founded Speedway Childrens Charities in 1982 in memory of his late son Bruton Cameron Smith. Smith gradually bought back shares of the track and regained control in 1975. Sons Scott, Marcus, and David are survivors, as with his daughter Anna Lisa, their mother, Bonnie Smith, and seven grandkids. We had a meeting and I was unlucky enough to be appointed a committee of one to promote a race. "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. Astronauts and artists. But if you are on a family farm, thats what you do. Hailing from Minnesota, Ellis L. Williams joined the Observer in October 2021 to cover the Carolina Panthers. Race fans are, and always will be, the lifeblood of NASCAR. Come right down to it, Im a softie kind of person.. pic.twitter.com/ldwu87mplI. My parents taught us what work was all about, Smith said in 2008. Jim France called Smith "a giant of a sport. He had his hands in all of it, and even though hes gone, his fingerprints remain. He could look you in the eye and say something, and youd be afraid he was deadly serious. appreciated. 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. I learned from my own experience that when people go to an event like a big race they may know who won the race, but all the other stuff they dont remember, Smith once said, according to the statement. They argued about race dates, race purses, the expansion of the Sprint Cup Series and other subjects over the years. I want to contribute more and more," Smith said in 2015. "My parents taught us what work was all about," Smith said in 2008. NASCAR Chairman Jim France said in a statement released by NASCAR. He was always on the leading edge at his tracks more seats, more pomp and ceremony, said NASCAR team owner Roger Penske. Smith was inducted into NASCAR's 2016Hall of Fame class. Will 2023 IndyCar season see a changing of the guard? 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. Hendrick called Smith an unbelievable innovator who never quit coming up with ideas to improve things or grow things, including four-wide drag racing. Sen. John Warner, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Petty, Lynda Petty, daughter and Bruton Smith in victory lane at the 1975 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. But times were difficult. 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. Bruton Smith makes his Hall of Fame acceptance speech on January 23, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Everyone knows what hes done for motorsports, NHRA & NASCAR. police report Wednesday were unsuccessful. 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. He was billionaire on the Forbes 400 list. He was 95. He is survived by sons Marcus, Scott and David, daughter Anna Lisa, their mother Bonnie Smith as well as seven grandchildren. I want to contribute more and more.. 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. 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.. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. This weekend, NASCAR is set to race at the Nashville Superspeedway, which was purchased by Speedway Motorsports last year. NACAR Hall of Famer Bruton Smith, founder and executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports which owns Nashville Superspeedway, died Wednesday at 95. . "Race fans are, and always will be, the lifeblood of NASCAR. People from all across NASCAR weighed in on Smiths lifetime of contributions to the sport in the wake of his death. Bruton Smith, the visionary and combative executive who helped shape NASCAR into the sport it is today, died Wednesday. I sure loved him. Smiths reach, however, extended beyond NASCAR. A Speedway Motorsports statement announcing his death said he. "Speedway President Didn't Get Degree, School Says (Update2)", "Bruton Smith's son to replace Wheeler as prez, GM of LMS", "Lowe's tells speedway it won't renew deal", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marcus_G._Smith&oldid=1118918011, Businesspeople from Charlotte, North Carolina, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 October 2022, at 18:04. To come from a small Carolina town and amassing all the accomplishments that he did. 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.. Bu if you are on a family farm, that's what you do. 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. 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. 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.. Efforts by the Charlotte Observer to both reach Smith and obtain a police report Wednesday were unsuccessful. His disputes with NASCAR were well documented. Type above and press Enter to search. 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. 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. Bruton Smith, who helped grow the NASCAR fan experience at his tracks with visionary ideas, died from natural causes. 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. I'm going to miss him. When youre doing mental battle with a person, you want to win. He was inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007. Smith, a native of Oakboro, North Carolina, was born March 3, 1927. . In January 2016, Smith was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He watched his first race as an 8-year-old during the Depression and bought his first race car at 17 for $700. They entered their dogs in fights and watched them die. Smith was no stranger to controversies off the track. 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. 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. 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. 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. "As I look back, that was a gift, even though I certainly didn't think so at the time. In 1959, Smith and colleague Curtis Turner (who was also a top NASCAR driver) began construction of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Speedway Children's Charities was founded by O. Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports Incorporated and Sonic Automotive Incorporated, as a memoriam and legacy to his son, Bruton Cameron Smith. The council relented, and the dragway was eventually built adjacent to Charlotte Motor Speedway. After leaving the Army in 1953, he learned that mismanagement in his absence had forced his racing organization to dissolve. His 17-year marriage to his wife, Bonnie Harris Smith, 43, effectively came to an end that year. His death was announced by Speedway Motorsports, which cited natural of causes. 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Did you encounter any technical issues? Chris Dolmetsch. We were selling tickets and expecting thrilling finishes, but if theres a wreck with five laps left, you dont see anything. In doing do, Bruton helped grow NASCAR's popularity as the preeminent spectator sport.". By JENNA FRYER "He was like a second father to me. Resides in Charlotte, NC Metropolitan Area. Smith became known for building state-of-the-art facilities that embraced the fan experience. He had an estimated worth of $1.5 billion in 2005. 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. Knowing the Frances and Bruton, neither one of them wanted to let the other get ahead of them, said former driver Darrell Waltrip. He founded Speedway Motorsports, which owns and operates 11 . But, always thinking big, he would later be known as one of NASCARs great innovators. I'm really sad to hear about the passing of Bruton Smith. He had his hands in all of it, and even though hes gone, his fingerprints remain.. 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? NASCAR races this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway, a track that was purchased by Speedway Motorsports late last year. It had been troubled for a number of years, and the. In business, if youre negotiating you are battling, Smith once said. 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. He is the son of SMI CEO Bruton Smith . Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. The track was known as Lowe's Motor Speedway until 2009 when a deal could not be reached to extend the contract. Bruton Smith, the visionary and combative executive who helped shape NASCAR into the sport it is today, died Wednesday. To the delight of his mother, those ambitions did not last long. Ollen Bruton Smith was born on March 2, 1927, the youngest of nine children, and grew up on a farm in North Carolina. 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. NASCAR races this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway, a track that was purchased by Speedway Motorsports late last year. In 2011, the Charlotte speedway installed a 16,000 square-foot high-definition video screen, then the largest in the world but since eclipsed by the Big Hoss screen at Smiths Texas track (where Smith also built condos). 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. I sure loved him. Look at all he did in building a world-class motor speedway and automobile dealership, Evans said. 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. Smith had exhausted himself to the point that he fell asleep midway through the race, which was won by Joe Lee Johnson. 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 statement from track operating company Speedway Motorsports. He always treated me like an equal as he taught me lessons about business and life., Smith in 2016 was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame for his contributions to motorsports. 5:41 AM EDT, Thu June 23, 2022. Smith would quickly grow into the race-promotion game. 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 was a builder. Our Founder O. Bruton Smith (1927 - 2022) Directors Marcus G. Smith David Bruton Smith He helped grow not just NASCAR, but all kinds of racing. The whole idea at that time was that I was going to be a race car driver. He was 95. One of NASCAR's most legendary figures, Smith, pictured above in 2010, gave up his dream of being a race car driver to become a force to be reckoned with on the business side. France said Smith is one of the pioneers of NASCAR. Smith began promoting dirt-track races in North Carolina as an 18-year-old. Having escaped cold winters, hes thrilled to consume football, hoops, music and movies within the Queen City. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Smith was executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports, which owns and operates auto racing speedways across the country. The FTX founder would also be prohibited from using his parents devices. Currently, Speedway Motorsports owns an array of properties, including 10 tracks with Cup Series dates, including Dover, Bristol, Atlanta, Texas, and Las Vegas. In doing so, Bruton helped grow NASCARs popularity as the preeminent spectator sport. 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. 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. The native of Oakboro . 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 track opened in June 1960 with a 600-mile race, the longest ever in NASCARs history. 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. 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. In 2012, Smith was classified by CNN Money as the oldest CEO of the Fortune 500. Sam Gannon cause of death, wife, children, net worth, Barbara Everitt Bryant funeral, burial service, pictures, date, time, venue. Funeral arrangements were pending. His vision and legacy inspired many, and his fan-first mentality remains today through his son, Marcus. CHARLOTTE, N.C. Domestic violence charges against the CEO of a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte have been dropped months after he was arrested. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. Bruton Smith, the visionary and combative executive who helped shape NASCAR into the sport it is today, died Wednesday. World famous musicians and athletes. Bruton Smith, a North Carolina native and entrepreneur who fell in love with auto racing and parlayed it into a career as an eccentric . It opened in June 1960 with a 600-mile race, the longest in NASCAR history. Updated: 4:12 PM CDT June 22, 2022. 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. More than two dozen flower bouquets lined the front of Central Church. I love the racing business, he said at the time. France and NASCAR won that competition, as the NSCRA faded. Bruton Smith, the owner and primary visionary for Speedway Motorsports Inc., has spent the past few months battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hendrick followed France and discussed his friendship with the Smith family. Few knew this better than Bruton Smith," NASCAR chairman Jim France said. 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. Few knew this better than Bruton Smith," said NASCAR chairman Jim France. 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 instead became an entrepreneur promoting his first race at age 18 and became one of the giants in stock car racing. 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 became known for building state-of-the-art facilities that embraced the fan experience. He dedicated his life to speedways and improving the racing experience for fans everywhere. The track construction costs ran well past budget, and Smith eventually lost control of the speedway in bankruptcy proceedings. "We are not close" said MEC Chair Garth Thompson. Given his experience, Smith became passionate about wanting to help . Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Smith led the voting with 68 percent of ballots cast; ironically, Turner also was chosen that year. Smith's brother, Marcus, is the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will be hosting NASCAR races this weekend. Speedway Motorsports' leadership team manages 11 premier properties across the United States. succeeded as SMI CEO by his son, Marcus Smith, Marcus Smith, son of SMI founder, crafts fan experience at Charlotte, Smith was inducted into NASCAR's 2016Hall of Fame class, Tickled by NASCAR Hall selection, positive reaction, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. At Smiths side for most of the way was Wheeler, who was often left to figure out how to pay for his bosss seemingly outlandish ideas. "You hear us preach about 'fan friendly.' 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. He took NASCAR and the tracks to some really unique places. Their experience provides marketing, promotional and operational expertise generating the best entertainment experience and marketing values in the motorsports industry. Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon credited Smith for helping to grow NASCAR beyond its roots as a predominantly Southern sport. 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. That needed to be changed and eventually they did it. The nonagenarian is also the executive chairman and director of Sonic Automotive, which owns 106 car dealerships in 13 states. Where are F1 2023 absentees Vettel, Ricciardo and Schumacher? He left North Carolina to open an auto dealership in Rockford, Ill. He helped grow not just NASCAR, but all kinds of racing. He was a personal friend. Ollen Bruton Smith was a promoter and owner and CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Ollen Bruton Smith (March 3, 1927 - June 22, 2022) was a promoter and owner/ CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. He often sparred with NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. and his successor, Bill France Jr., and battled the NASCAR leadership for decades trying to bring elite Cup Series races to his properties. 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. 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. Published Smith was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 during the Korean War. He was a personal friend, Force wrote on Twitter. Speedway Motorsports also owns and operates a number of subsidiaries. I sure loved him. 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.. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department spokesperson told the Observer that "the victim stated the suspect assaulted and unlawfully restrained her without her consent.. NASCAR team owner and former NFL coach Joe Gibbs was one of three service speakers. Given his experience, Smith became passionate about wanting to help . When Concord, North Carolina, city leaders named the roadway for Smith, it was a more-than-symbolic honor for Smith, who helped bring legions of fans to the sport. 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. 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. Sargeant 1st American on F1 grid since 2015, Murdaugh verdict sends a Lowcountry message: No one is above the law | Opinion, Mail carrier cant believe his eyes after seeing NC lottery win.
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