BREAKING: Bruton Smith dead at age 95

Tributes start to pour in; 'a true legend,' 'his vision and legacy inspired many,' 'NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers'

Good evening. Today is Wednesday, June 22, 2022, and we’re coming to you with breaking news.

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Hard-charging Charlotte businessman founded two Fortune 500 companies and revolutionized auto racing

(Photo courtesy of Sonic Automotive)

Bruton Smith, one of Charlotte’s most legendary business figures and a giant in building stock car racing into a national sport, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 95.

According to a news release from Sonic Automotive, Smith passed away of natural causes. It gave no further details. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Smith, born on a farm in Stanly County, east of Charlotte, became a racing promoter and car salesman — and turned both into big businesses: Speedway Motorsports, which today operates 11 tracks, and Sonic Automotive, which is one of the country’s largest car retailers. His sons now run both businesses: Marcus Smith is CEO of Speedway Motorsports, and David Smith is CEO of Sonic Automotive.

Bruton Smith had a house on Sharon Lane in the Foxcroft area near SouthPark. We noted in March that it was decorated with a cupcake yard display for his 95th birthday:

In recent years, Smith had made few public appearances or public comments.

He was a larger than life figure, one who was unafraid to tangle with those with whom he disagreed. He also founded Speedway Children’s Charities, which works on issues including learning disabilities, hunger and childhood cancer.

Tributes from drivers and businesses are sure to pour in over the coming days. The NASCAR Hall of Fame on Wednesday released a statement that said:

NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers, visionaries and innovators. Bruton’s 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.

Other remembrances:

Todd Bodine (Official) @Team_Onion

Bruton Smith, a true legend in our sport has passed. Praying for the entire Smith Family and all of those who had the opportunity to work with Bruton. Keeping @MarcusSMI and the entire Smith family in our thoughts and prayers.

NASCAR @NASCAR

A statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France on the passing of Bruton Smith.

Kenny Wallace @Kenny_Wallace

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 ❤️

Further reading:

• The Charlotte Observer this afternoon published a complete obituary.

• The news release announcing Smith’s passing has details on his life history.

• The Ledger last year published a recollection of Smith that extensively quoted Humpy Wheeler, talking about their on-again, off-again, on-again friendship.

Smith (right) with Kyle Petty after the Coca-Cola 600 in 1987. (Photo courtesy of Sonic Automotive)

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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Contributing editor: Tim Whitmire, CXN Advisory; Contributing photographer/videographer: Kevin Young, The 5 and 2 Project