Drivers, racing community offer condolences after Bruton Smith's passing
The NASCAR and motorsports community mourns the loss of Bruton Smith, the NASCAR Hall of Famer, visionary track promoter and founder of Speedway Motorsports who died at 95 years old Wednesday.
Bruton‘s contribution to stock car racing is hard to measure. His ambitious vision created growth and opportunities that I am forever thankful for. My heart is with the Smith family. https://t.co/GUSu7kxLQS
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) June 22, 2022
I‘m heart broken this afternoon my good friend Bruton Smith passed away, he helped me in so many ways, he was an icon in the sport he loved, RIP my dear friend!
— Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) June 22, 2022
Always kind to me. Made huge bets on growing the sport. He will be missed 🙏 https://t.co/J8s5fDoNGL
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) June 22, 2022
Bruton lived a helluva life and made so many lives better. I‘m gutted to hear this. https://t.co/AFQrXAGLUe
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) June 22, 2022
There have been many great men in this sport but very few visionaries. Today we lost one of the greatest visionaries that racing ever had. Bruton‘s impact on the sport will continue to be felt for decades to come. Today my heart is sad for the entire Smith family. Godspeed… pic.twitter.com/qlbKSweOS0
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) June 22, 2022
I have so much respect for Bruton. He was a true trailblazer of our sport. Always did things big. So sad to hear the news of his passing. Sending condolences to the Smith family. https://t.co/8HOENlxjbw
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) June 22, 2022
Sad day…Bruton had a huge impact on our sport and had a huge amount of ingenuity. If you haven‘t, you need to watch his @NASCARHall speech, there will never be another one like him! https://t.co/JKAMJPtUXm
— Cole Custer (@ColeCuster) June 22, 2022
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
So sad to hear this.. It‘s unbelievable what he did for our sport and for so many people.. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/Wdozp38ZHD
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) June 22, 2022
Statement from EDDIE GOSSAGE regarding the death of Bruton Smith:
“I‘ve met American Presidents and scholars. Astronauts and artists. World famous musicians and athletes. But the greatest man I ever met was Bruton Smith. For whatever reason, he saw something in me… (1 of 2)
— Eddie Gossage ™️ (@eddiegossage) June 22, 2022
Statement from EDDIE GOSSAGE re the death of Bruton Smith:
“…blessed me with the opportunity to join him in building one of the largest stadiums in the world. We had so much fun working together. He always treated me like an equal as he taught me lessons about business & life.”
— Eddie Gossage ™️ (@eddiegossage) June 22, 2022
Anyone who made a living around the @NASCAR world, should thank Mr. Bruton for his vision, leadership, and dedication to the sport. I sure appreciate everything he has done for my family!
Thank you sir. https://t.co/O7ff6mP9pV
— David Ragan (@DavidRagan) June 22, 2022
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.
— Todd Bodine (Official) (@Team_Onion) June 22, 2022
A true visionary in the sport, rest easy Bruton Smith. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family at this time. pic.twitter.com/G7WgVc0Bcg
— Rick Ware Racing (@RickWareRacing) June 22, 2022
RIP Bruton Smith. Game changer. Business GURU. Pioneer. Billionaire.
— Brett Griffin (@SpotterBrett) June 22, 2022
Everyone at Ally Racing sends their condolences to the SMI family. Bruton Smith will be greatly missed by all. https://t.co/RAaNfDc3Dh
— Ally Racing (@allyracing) June 22, 2022
Our sincerest condolences go out to the family of Class of 2016 #NASCARHOFer Bruton Smith. Bruton‘s legacy will forever remain in our minds, our archives & at the cathedrals of speed he built & celebrated at the #NASCARHall. Full statement @WinstonKelley: https://t.co/0rPjFXgBFP pic.twitter.com/XIbGfmYHBI
— NASCAR Hall of Fame (@NASCARHall) June 22, 2022
Bruton was a true visionary in the world of motorsports. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
He will be greatly missed. https://t.co/UmIKfOnkiS
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) June 22, 2022
A really fun night of storytelling. Bruton Smith‘s 92d birthday party at Michael‘s in Las Vegas.
Thanks @cbboydcars for the photo. pic.twitter.com/m4c8hqmfRf— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) June 22, 2022
This is not “goodbye…”
This is “I‘ll see you later…”❤️
In loving memory of Ollen Bruton Smith.
March 2, 1927 ~
June 22, 2022 pic.twitter.com/gmHLcR5hBL— Cassi Mitchell Smith (@G88Gassi) June 22, 2022
