LEBANON, Tenn. ( Associated Press) — The man who founded Speedway Motorsports had an appearance on Sunday during NASCAR’s Affiliate 400 race at a track his company bought last November.,
Bruton Smith died on Wednesday At the age of 95. The Hall of Famer, who was one of the biggest track owners and most successful promoters in the history of auto racing, was remembered on cars at Nashville Superspeedway with Smith’s name as a popular sticker with years of his life. .
john force racing car He named Smith as well as calling him “a true legend – a true friend”.
Smith’s son, Marcus, said that his father would be humbled by all recognition.
“Our family has felt an incredible flow of prayers, support and kindness over the past few days.” Marcus Smith wrote on Twitter, “My family and I are grateful. Thank you.”
Smith’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will be open to the public. The funeral will be broadcast live on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s YouTube channel, The burial ceremony will be private.
hot summer
Keeping cool on the track and temperatures was a top priority at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday with the hottest races in the mid-90s, yet this season with humidity it feels around 100 degrees. The temperature of the cars inside the race can climb close to 125 degrees.
With fans entertained a few hours before the start of the race, track officials had six mist tents available at the gates with free cooling towels. They also had six free water stations and water fountains scattered around the concourse.
Fans were allowed to bring empty insulated bottles or containers up to 64 ounces or bring their own water bottles if sealed. Everyone got a break from lightning within seven miles, which halted the race during Stage 1 by just over an hour. Then the thunderstorm really cooled everyone down, halting the race again for more than two hours.
Hello Dolly
Racing in Nashville means bringing out the stars, and NBC Sports got possibly the brightest of Music City to welcome viewers on Sunday.
music icon Dolly Parton Introduces About 2 Minutes who noted his own drive from his hometown in East Tennessee to Nashville, where any stage “gives a magical feeling because now you’re standing on a stage where some of the greatest veterans have ever stood.”
Parton said it’s important to have a lot of faith and confidence in your giftedness in order to chase the dream.
“Then you have to make it work, you have to live with it,” Parton said. “You have to be willing to make sacrifices for it. You have to make it a reality. It’s not going to happen just like that. I really think this is what inspires most people with a great talent. We do that. We burn with desire… we have something that is magic.”
avoid meme status
WWE Star Sheamus took over as an honorary starter on Sunday, although he had some concerns before the race. When it came time to wave the flag, the wrestler did not lose his grip, knowing that millions would be watching.
“So I just want to make sure I super glue that thing to my hand so it doesn’t fall off you know what I mean? That’s the point. I mean I don’t wanna be a meme ”
Sheamus held on to the flag without issue, avoiding any meme issues.
,
More Associated Press Auto Racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports