The following is a statement from Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Executive Chairman O. Bruton Smith regarding Wednesday’s announcement that he will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2016:
“When I found out that I was nominated, I realized how much this meant to my family and the 15,000 employees that work for my companies. Now I realize how much it means to me. 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 Waltrip and so many others who helped build this sport. That’s what I’ve tried to do my entire life. I’m a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races, and it’s been fun to always try to push the sport to greater heights for the fans. From the first World 600, I’ve always wanted the fans to leave with something spectacular to remember about their experience. Even if they don’t remember who won the race, I want them to remember the pre-race show and having the time of their lives. I want fans to know we’re always working to build the best facilities for them and that’s who I really owe this recognition to. The millions of fans who’ve attended our race tracks all of these years are the ones who really deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. They’ve built the sport right along with us, and I want to sincerely say thank you to them and the voting committee.”
Background:
Smith is considered the preeminent speedway promoter and entrepreneur who revolutionized motorsports entertainment over the course of seven decades. Smith’s first major speedway endeavor began when he partnered with racing star Curtis Turner to open Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., in 1960 and held the first World 600 that year.
His racing empire of motorsports facilities has grown immensely under Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), which currently owns and operates Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.
The speedway group plays host to 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, 11 NASCAR XFINITY and eight Camping World Truck Series races and other high-profile motorsports events.
Smith took Speedway Motorsports public in 1995 and in the process became the first motorsports company to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange. He also was the first in the sport to transform speedways into modern, first-class sports venues, which included the additions of condominiums, private clubs and a proliferation of luxury suites.
He also founded Speedway Children’s Charities in 1984 for the betterment of children and the result has been donations of more than $42 million over the years to charities across the country.
Smith has also been inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (2007), National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame (2006) and Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame (2008).
Sonoma Raceway Statement on O. Bruton Smith NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction
The following are statements from Sonoma Raceway President & General Manager Steve Page and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. executive chairman O. Bruton Smith regarding today’s announcement that Smith will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2016.
Sonoma Raceway is one of eight facilities owned and operated by Smith under the Speedway Motorsports, Inc. banner.
O. Bruton Smith, Motorsports, Inc. executive chairman
“When I found out that I was nominated, I realized how much this meant to my family and the 15,000 employees that work for my companies. Now I realize how much it means to me. 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 Waltrip and so many others who helped build this sport. That’s what I’ve tried to do my entire life. I’m a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races, and it’s been fun to always try to push the sport to greater heights for the fans. From the first World 600, I’ve always wanted the fans to leave with something spectacular to remember about their experience. Even if they don’t remember who won the race, I want them to remember the pre-race show and having the time of their lives. I want fans to know we’re always working to build the best facilities for them and that’s who I really owe this recognition to. The millions of fans who’ve attended our race tracks all of these years are the ones who really deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. They’ve built the sport right along with us, and I want to sincerely say thank you to them and the voting committee.”
Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway president & general manager
“In order to move into the major leagues of professional sports, NASCAR needed to offer its fans a major league event experience, and no one has done more to elevate the quality of that experience than Bruton Smith. He has never been afraid to invest, innovate or improve, and all of us in the sport have benefited from that commitment. Bruton Smith absolutely deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”
Statement from Eddie Gossage President of Texas Motor Speedway
The following is a statement from Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage regarding Wednesday’s announcement that Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Executive Chairman O. Bruton Smith has been named to the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the 2016 induction class:
“Home sweet home. Bruton Smith is a contemporary of every individual in the story of NASCAR. He was promoting races before NASCAR was formed. He set the standard for all speedways in the world, always putting fans first. He brought VIP luxury suites, condominiums, Speedway Clubs and his latest fan amenity – mega big screens so massive no other sport has even considered utilizing them. From NASCAR’s first winner, Red Byron, to Curtis Turner to Richard Petty to David Pearson to Dale Earnhardt to Jeff Gordon to Jimmie Johnson to Kevin Harvick, Bruton helped lead the sport through them all.”
General Manager Mark Simendinger statement on O. Bruton Smith’s election to the NASCAR Hall of Fame:
“On behalf of all the employees at Kentucky Speedway, we are thrilled that Bruton Smith has been elected to the 2016 Class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. That is the highest honor in our sport and there is no one more deserving. One of the greatest days in our region’s sports history occurred when Bruton Smith’s, Speedway Motorsports, Inc., purchased us. His unparalleled energy and vision has resulted in one of America’s truly great speedways. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him our heartiest congratulations.”
SMI PR
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