France Family Counterpoint

The France family built NASCAR.  Bruton Smith, the visionary, was often a thorn in their side.  He was willing to defy the France dynasty with innovations.  Smith and his Speedway Motorsports Inc. provide balance to International Speedway Corp. and the France family.

Bruton Smith the billionaire promoter began his racing endeavors at a small track in North Carolina when he was 18.  He built Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1959 losing it to bankruptcy after two years.  Moving north he continued to buy shares of the track until he regained control in the early 70's.

Years later he formed Speedway Motorsports Inc. and took the company public to be traded on the NYSE in 1995.

In 2007 Smith unveiled plans for a drag strip adjacent to then Lowes Motor Speedway and rocked the world of many Concord residents.  He threatened to shut down the speedway creating a massive loss of revenue to the area. 

Governing bodies saw the light and offered an incentive package to Smith including changing Speedway Boulevard to Bruton Smith Blvd.  The birth of Z-Max Dragway was soon to follow.

Smith has been criticized for moving races from historic tracks like North Wilkesboro to larger tracks.  Some say he wields too much power, pushing independent track owners out of the sport.

Smith is a fan of throwback racing.  If he ruled motorsports, crashes and fights might be celebrated. 

He is an entertainer with a flare for the extravagant, not being one to shy away from spending unlimited sums on his racing facilities.  They are the finest in the sport.

Smith wanted the NASCAR Banquet moved from NYC to Las Vegas.  In 2009 his plan became reality.

NASCAR foresees international expansion, but it is perhaps Bruton Smith that will take it to the wealthy Mid East.  SMI could build a motorsports complex second to none.  Grandios would not suffice as an adequate adjective for such an undertaking.

Last week during the NASCAR Media Tour it was announced at Z-Max Dragway four lanes will be utilized at the March NHRA National event.  Once again Smith is showing his innovative talents with another first in professional motorsports.

Tom Compton, President of NHRA and John Force, 14-time NHRA Funny Car Champion were present for the announcement.  Both men expressed great enthusiasm regarding the format.

Only a couple years ago there was just an empty field near Charlotte Motor Speedway. Now it is commonly referred to as the Bellagio of dragstrips.

Smith is in stand-by mode due to litigation over Kentucky Speedway.  He would like to see a Sprint Cup date at the track in 2011.  Brian France would like to see the lawsuit go away and cannot consider granting a racing date until it does.

Sitting along side Mike Helton, Smith recently spoke of NASCAR payouts.  He wants $400,000 more paid for first place over second place.  He suggested 16 percent of the purse go to the winner.  Point fund money should be decreased and used for purses in his opinion.

This man of SMI is a race fan.  He wants drivers motivated to win and not just concerned about points.

NASCAR's Hall of Fame will certainly have David Pearson on the ballot for year two.  He will be inducted this time as well.  Perhaps another name should be on the ballot, that of Bruton Smith.  He may not be inducted in year two, but certainly soon thereafter.