Bruton Smith was the founder and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, who owned NASCAR tracks including the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
NASCAR legend
Smith loved racing from an early age, and as a young man, he tried his hand at driving. His racing career didn’t last long, as he soon began working as a promoter instead. Smith built his first racetrack in the 1950s: Charlotte Motor Speedway opened in 1959 and became the well-known home of the World 600 (now Coca-Cola 600) NASCAR race. He went on to found Speedway Motorsports and built other NASCAR tracks including the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Sonoma Raceway. His early promotion of races as his tracks helped build NASCAR from a regional organization to the major national draw it later became. After the death of his young son, Smith founded Speedway Children’s Charities, a non-profit that funds local children’s organizations. In 2007, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Notable quote
“I’m a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races, and it’s been fun to always try and push the sport to greater heights for the fans.” —from a 2015 interview for the Associated Press
Tributes to Bruton Smith
I’m really sad to hear about the passing of Bruton Smith. He was a personal friend. Everyone knows what he’s done for motorsports, @NHRA & @NASCAR. He was like a 2nd father to me, I met him when he opened Bristol. I sure loved him. I’m going to miss him. His legacy will live on. pic.twitter.com/6Zuhiqnx69
— John Force (@JohnForce_FC) June 22, 2022
The NASCAR family mourns the loss of Hall of Famer and visionary track operator, Bruton Smith.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 22, 2022
Bruton Smith was one of the kindest human beings. I had the privilege of knowing him personally for years. When Davey passed, Bruton remained a steadfast friend. I will miss my friend.
— Liz Allison (@Lizallison28) June 22, 2022
Really sorry to hear of the passing of the great Bruton Smith. In my opinion, Bruton forced all the race tracks to up their game. Bruton invented the beautiful facilities in @NASCAR . My prayers to the family @MarcusSMI ❤️
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) June 22, 2022
Bruton Smith coined and embodied the phrase “We work for the fans.” He had a vision that led to the creation of one of the largest, most innovative motorsports and entertainment companies in the country.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Smith family.
— Brandon Hutchison (@BrandonHutch72) June 22, 2022
Bruton Smith was one of the most colorful, visionary promoters in global motorsports, putting the “show” and fans first with his ideas.
There was only one Bruton. Everyone at #IMS will miss him and offers sincere condolences.
Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/hW1hIyykcZ
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) June 22, 2022
As a promoter, you look up to & learn from legendary people in sports like Bruton Smith. In ‘19 at the dirt track @TXMotorSpeedway, I finally got to meet him thanks to @HawkSMI! If you can’t tell from the smile on my face – I was thrilled. RIP Mr. Smith. Thanks for the example! pic.twitter.com/BN0w9RvvJ8
— J. Douglas Boles (@jdouglas4) June 22, 2022
Full obituary: Charlotte Observer
