Ollen Bruton Smith was an American motorsports executive and businessman. He was best known as the owner of two public companies, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) and Sonic Automotive. Smith held the positions of vice president and general manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway and later was the chief executive officer (CEO) of both Speedway Motorsports and Sonic Automotive. He was an entrepreneur, race promoter, and businessman during the rise of stock car racing that began in the 1950s.
Smith at Texas Motor Speedway in 2005
Charlotte Motor Speedway (pictured in 2005) was started by Smith and Curtis Turner.
Night racing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2008. Smith, along with Humpy Wheeler, directed the installation of permanent lights at the speedway.
The zMax Dragway in 2010. The dragstrip sparked a seven-year conflict between Smith and the city of Concord.
Speedway Motorsports, LLC is an American company that owns and manages auto racing facilities that host races sanctioned by NASCAR, NHRA, World of Outlaws and other racing series. The company was founded by Bruton Smith and has its headquarters at Charlotte Motor Speedway, in Concord, North Carolina, just north of Charlotte. Speedway Motorsports owns nine racing facilities with a combined seating capacity of approximately 885,000. In addition to operating racetracks, Speedway Motorsports owns Performance Racing Network (PRN), U.S. Legend Cars International, and co-owns Motorsports Authentics.
Dover International Speedway in 2017
