Smith's brother, Marcus, is the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will be hosting NASCAR races this weekend. In doing do, Bruton helped grow NASCAR's popularity as the preeminent spectator sport.". Bruton Smith, right, was inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016. I love the racing business. "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. 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. He took NASCAR and the tracks to some really unique places. Press Esc to cancel. The Coca-Cola 600 to this day is considered a crown jewel on the NASCAR calendar. Bruton Smith, the visionary and combative executive who helped shape NASCAR into the sport it is today, died Wednesday. All Rights Reserved. Bruton Smith, the visionary and combative executive who helped shape NASCAR into the sport it is today, died Wednesday. 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. 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. Bruton Smith, founder of Speedway Motorsports and one of the most forward-thinking track operators and promoters in motorsports, has died. "You can't fight your mom and God, so I stopped driving.". 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. And along the way, he helped a lot of families build better lives.. Under the guidance of choir director Dennis Livingston, the Central Church Choirs soft hymns started the 1 p.m. service. Smith gradually bought back shares of the track and regained control in 1975. Were here to entertain fans, and I want them to go home with a memory that will last forever.. What people dont realize about Bruton is that he had a rough edge but a big heart.. He was a personal friend. 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. Smith was no stranger to controversies off the track. Barbara Everitt Bryant cause of death: How did Barbara Everitt Bryant die? 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.

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