After news broke out about Speedway Motorsports Founder and Chairman Bruton Smith passing away at age 95, thoughts and condolences began pouring in for his family and friends.
Here are some of those social media posts from various people and entities in the motorsports community.
A statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France on the passing of Bruton Smith. pic.twitter.com/k4MvJPoH89
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 22, 2022
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
When they said it couldn't be done, Bruton did it. Me and @SamanthaBusch offer our condolences to the Smiths. https://t.co/2hq9WQIkBc
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) June 23, 2022
A trailblazer in countless ways.
We pay tribute to Bruton Smith's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/ldwu87mplI
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 22, 2022
A statement from SRX CEO Don Hawk on the passing of Bruton Smith.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family. pic.twitter.com/fEQkPX28Fr
— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) June 23, 2022
Bruton Smith was a pioneer who helped make motorsports mainstream and allowed guys like me to make a living doing what we love. He helped grow not just NASCAR, but all kinds of racing. He had his hands in all of it, and even though he’s gone, his fingerprints remain. https://t.co/wsbrQMo7UM
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) June 22, 2022
Very saddened by the death of a pioneer in our industry – Bruton Smith. Our condolences to his family, as we all share a great loss.
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) June 23, 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
When I think about Bruton Smith I can’t help but think about the song, “I Did It My Way” boy did he ever !
— Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) June 23, 2022
So sad to hear about the passing of Bruton Smith. He played a huge part in shaping this sport and the fan experience. No one did it like Bruton. Sending my condolences to the Smith family. https://t.co/SXU9ujcbBv
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) June 23, 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
A statement from Richard Petty on the passing of Bruton Smith. pic.twitter.com/ktvEodqo7w
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) June 23, 2022
"Never afraid to take a chance, Bruton will go down as one of the greatest promotors and innovators in the history of motor sports.” – Rick Hendrickhttps://t.co/8q5XAdQNH2
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) June 22, 2022
Everyone at #INDYCAR sends their condolences to the friends and family of Bruton Smith.
Bruton was a colorful, energetic visionary who loved motor racing and worked tirelessly to help it grow in America. Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/W74aGFt8T1
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) June 22, 2022
We are all saddened by the news that Burton Smith passed away today! He always invited @mikejoy500 @AllWaltrip & myself over to his suite after the races at @TXMotorSpeedway Always enjoyed our visit! #NASCAR is, and will always be a better sport because of his contributions! 🙏🙏
— Larry McReynolds (@LarryMac28) June 22, 2022
A statement from Joe Gibbs on the passing of Bruton Smith: pic.twitter.com/2GcjwqnIca
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) June 22, 2022
We’re thinking about the Smith family tonight. Our dad/grandpa Glenn always said Bruton Smith made everyone better. pic.twitter.com/XZ3dXrd4iQ
— Wood Brothers Racing (@woodbrothers21) 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
NHRA offers its heartfelt condolences following the passing of Bruton Smith. Bruton was an incredible visionary who had an amazing commitment to drag racing, helping advance the sport and working diligently to bring new fans to the NHRA.
More: https://t.co/SOXC70ZZpw pic.twitter.com/Qw4PN5PSQ5
— NHRA (@NHRA) 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
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
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Bruton Smith. Mr. Smith was a true innovator in our sport and his presence will be certainly missed. Godspeed and prayers for the Smith Family. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/nk7ceDqMAZ
— Rackley W.A.R. (@Rackley_WAR) June 22, 2022
Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She's currently an assistant editor and involved with photos, social media and news editing. A California native, Joy was raised watching motorsports and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.