You have trophies, you have championships, you have wins, but friends are what really make the difference, fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Darrell Waltrip said about Smith in 2019. Bruton Smith has been one of my heroes since I started racing in NASCAR in 1972.. In 2007, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and he became a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 2006. Last month, in the face of a $21 million divorce judgment, he unveiled a lavish $75 million expansion project for Atlanta Motor Speedway, which he bought last October. Jun 22, 2022, 1:37 PM. Even with his many accomplishments in motorsports, Smith often commented that the auto retail business was his first love and maintained his primary office at his Town & Country Ford dealership in Charlotte throughout his distinguished career. Nick DeGroot. Opened in 1966, his first dealership was Frontier Ford in Rockford, Ill, where he married and started a family. She graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a degree in sports management and business administration. Ollen Bruton Smith was a NASCAR track promoter and the owner/CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. On January 23, 2016, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. David Smith. She started fighting dirty, laughed Smith in a 2005 interview with Motorsport.com. He pleaded guilty to criminal charges in connection with failing to file his 1955 and 1956 income tax returns on time. In his early 20s, Smiths career as promoter and car salesman took a turn when he was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Marcus G. Smith. He's built a network around his hit YouTube series, "The Cave," landed deals and produced records for some of the biggest artists in music, and still found time to release his first album, "Louie. He has served as Vice President of BMS, LVMS, Sonoma Raceway, KyS and NHMS since their acquisitions. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism. The young entrepreneur also promoted his first race before he was 18 years old. Feb 11, 1983 | Chairs, Graduate Fellowships, Professorships, Scholarships. Their experience provides marketing, promotional and operational expertise generating the best entertainment experience and marketing values in the motorsports industry. Bruton Smith funeral in Charlotte draws hundreds. He lost control in 1963 when the speedway was reorganized in bankruptcy court. She was 21 and he was 42. Today, that last stock certificate he bought is framed and hangs in his den. Type above and press Enter to search. Payment of the award has been suspended pending an appeal, but if the judgment is upheld, Smith will have to pay his ex-wife $2.1 million up front and almost $158,000 every month for the next 10 years. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Police identify victim who died Wednesday in Greensboro's 11th homicide of 2023, William Sturkey: Chapel Hill trustees 'hellbent' on winning campus culture wars, Rob Schofield: North Carolinas chronic public employee shortage wasnt an accident, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Richard Groves: What the 'He Gets Us' media campaign says about the decline of Christianity, Mark Elliott and Jeremy Rinker: Budget reductions at UNCG punish it for serving disadvantaged students, Two Things: Victim's family not surprised by no show; hospital wars in Greensboro and money well spent, Former Page High School teacher arrested on child sex charges, records show, Proposed rules for Airbnb, other short-term rentals advance in Greensboro, 'A bizarre case': Greensboro TikTok star found not guilty in fatal 2019 crash, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist proposes community hospital in Greensboro, Greensboro police officer involved in confrontation on Golden Gate Drive resigns, Jaydon Young's lessons of sacrifice mix with two-hour transfer, Virginia Tech and 2023 tournament. Jacobson is a graduate of The College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies. ``We've sometimes gone two weeks without speaking to each other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Mr. Byrd was previously a Vice President and Sonics Chief Information Officer from December 2007 to March 2013, and has served our organization since 2007. Smith has been charged with assault by strangulation, assault on a female, false imprisonment, and interfering with emergency communications, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's website. Mr. Brooks has been involved in the motorsports business since 1979 when he served on the PwC team that audited CMS. He passed the CEO title first to his elder son. ``This should be a fun place to work,' Wheeler's letter said. Last weekend, during a busy Friday before the Sunday running of the Mello Yello 500, each agreed to an interview in the seventh-floor executive offices of the gleaming Smith Tower, a glass and steel office building that overlooks the 1.5-mile speedway. "Bruton Smith has been one of my heroes since I started racing in NASCAR in 1972." Survivors include sons Scott, Marcus and David; his daughter, Anna Lisa; their mother, Bonnie Smith; and . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I love the racing business. It graphically exemplifies the breakneck pace at the speedway, and the unusual relationship between Wheeler and Smith that has helped make it NASCAR's most glamorous track. Previously, Brady served in the U.S. Air Force working in munitions and communications technology from 1993-2002. Culture & Style Editor ANNIE BLOJ talks to the ex-Bronco about leaving the game and his new career.David was photographed with his wife Tina Bruton who wears a dress from Garbarini in Cherry Creek.. PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH In addition, Mr. Brooks serves as an officer and a director, or in a similar capacity, for many of Speedway Motorsports's other subsidiaries. Mr. Dyke first joined Sonic in October 2005 as Sonics Vice President of Retail Strategy, a position that he held until April 2006, when he was promoted to Division Vice President Eastern Division, a position he held from April 2006 to March 2007. Burch, who joined Speedway Motorsports in 2003, previously served as Chief Strategy Officer, and, prior, as Senior Vice President of National Sales and Marketing and as Manager of Business Development. Rab Wardell Children: Did Rab Wardell Have Kids? Last April, Mecklenburg County District Court Judge L. Stanley Brown gave Bonnie Smith $21 million (including interest) of their ``marital estate,' which the judge valued at $51.3 million. jgreenwald@kcsa.com/ ddevoren@kcsa.com, A Statement from David Smith, CEO of Sonic Automotive on the Passing of the Companys Founder and Executive Chairman Bruton Smith, Internet Explorer presents a security risk. Ollen Bruton Smith, the founder and executive chairman of Sonic Automotive, Speedway Motorsports and Speedway Children's Charities died today of natural causes. Record producer Kenny Beats takes us on a journey from Berklee College of Music to blowing up the electronic dance music scene to reemerging as a sought-after hit maker and content creator, all while building one of the most interactive, music-obsessed communities on the internet. Smiths first job outside the family farm came at age 12 when he went to work at a local saw mill. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. And I maintained those stock certificates in that metal box.'. I have an empty feeling.'. The personal toll was fierce. Bowling oversees all consumer experience data and platforms including: CRM, ticketing, email and mobile applications. Orrin Hatch Cause Of Death, Obituary, Burial, Funeral, Pictures, Memorial Service, Johnny Grier Obituary, Burial, Funeral, Memorial Service, Miguel Van Damme Obituary, Burial, Funeral, Pictures, Memorial Service, Highlife Music Legend Nana Ampadu Is Dead, Bruton Smith Family: Wife, Children, Parents, Siblings, Gideon Mensah Shines In Auxerres Draw With Nice, Jobless Kyiri Abosom Is Making Money In The Name Of God Pastor Jabs, Secular Musicians Are Not Of The Devil- Grace Ashy, You Got Best Of Three Evils Seun Kuti to Nigerians. Two days after graduating from Oakboro High School, Smith took a job in a hosiery mill, before he eventually made a purchase that would lead him to two successful business careers. He built the track in 1959 and 1960 with NASCAR legend Curtis Turner, only to see it become awash in debt. In just a few years, Smith grew Sonic into one of the nations largest automotive retailers. Oct 22, 2018. sonicautomotive.com . John Aniston cause of death: What happened to John Aniston? Im forever grateful for the countless opportunities he gave me and invaluable lessons he taught me about life, business, leadership, and the importance of giving back. Critics scoffed at his plan to build condos overlooking the Charlotte speedway. North Carolina prosecutors have dropped their case against David Smith, the chief executive officer of Sonic Automotive who was accused of trying to strangle a woman in a domestic dispute in. Rad Wardell was born on 15 June 1985 in Dunfermline, Scotland. No Tombstone Married 1st) Unknown (possible Tippens?) The show takes listeners inside the business end of the sports world, and explains what it means to fans and their pocketbooks. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I bought a race car for $700. David Bruton Smith was arrested by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and charged with assault by strangulation, assault on a female and false imprisonment. Smith, 46, was arrested in. He has been reported dead on June 22, 2022, at the age of 95 having been born on March 3, 1927, in Oakboro, North Carolina, United States. 5 min read. Late last October, only about a week before the property distribution part of his divorce trial began, Smith bought Atlanta Motor Speedway for $19.8 million, with the help of loans from NCNB totaling about $20 million, court records show. Bruton Smith, who helped grow the NASCAR fan experience at his tracks with visionary ideas, died from natural causes. It had been troubled for a number of years, and the split finally came on the night of June 24, after a violent argument at their $885,000 house on Sharon Lane in Charlotte. Speedway Childrens Charities chapters work with organizations to identify and resolve pressing issues ranging from learning disabilities and broken homes to hunger and childhood cancer. Smith, the son of a North Carolina farmer, ``has always done things in a big way,' Wheeler said. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. According to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police report, officers responded to a domestic violence call around 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 5 at Smiths south Charlotte home on Carmel Park Drive. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Sonic Automotive Chief Executive Officer David Bruton Smith was arrested on several charges Monday. CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 22, 2022 -- ( BUSINESS WIRE )--A visionary and transformative figure in both business and entertainment, Ollen Bruton Smith, the founder and executive chairman of Sonic . He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 23, 2016. She said it was about $38.9 million. CHARLOTTE, N.C. . If Smith is forced to honor the divorce award, it will be a tremendous financial challenge. Charlotte, NC 28211. Members of the motorsports community offered their condolences to the Smith family after Bruton Smith died Wednesday at age 95. . Given his experience, Smith became passionate about wanting to help children in need and Speedway Childrens Charities was created to focus on serving communities surrounding Speedway Motorsports race tracks. He set the bar., His mind is racing all the time; hes done so much for the sport, said Rick Hendrick, an auto dealer and fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer, in a 2016 interview with NASCAR.com. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. O. Bruton Smith, who emerged from North Carolina farm country and parlayed his love of motorsports into a Hall of Fame career as one of the biggest track owners and most . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". He is a graduate of Appalachian State University. Ulrich oversees the brand strategy, positioning, creative, social, and consumer sales strategies for each of Speedway Motorsports properties. I don't. Bonita Harris is the ex-wife of Bruton Smith. Troopers obtain arrest warrants for driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. Bruton Smith was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016. Cameron Cubbie Smith. Joshua Greenwald / Danielle DeVoren Walter was promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager at Charlotte in October of 2018. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism. There was a whole lot of unrest with the drivers and car owners at that time, Smith continued. We did not detain DAVID BRUTON SMITH and do not maintain any relationships with any government offices, anywhere in North Carolina, Costa Rica, or elsewhere in the world. When you think about the Charlotte Motor Speedway and Bristol, and tracks like New Hampshire and Sonoma and Atlanta, hes been the best, 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and fellow automobile dealer Roger Penske told NASCAR.com in 2016. Theres no question. David Bruton married Nancy Langford February 8, 1810. . We had a meeting and I was unlucky enough to be appointed a committee of one to promote a race. Jerry N. Caldwell is President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. Then when I moved from Denver to Rockford, I moved that metal box with me. Cops told the Charlotte. Burch earned undergraduate degrees in Economics and Management & Society at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters degree in sport management from Georgia Southern University. His background also includes employment with the Orange Bowl, Dallas Cowboys, Learfield Sports and Host Communications. Smith's lawyer George Laughrun told Eyewitness News anchor Allison. J. Cary Tharrington IV serves as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Speedway Motorsports. Speedway Motorsports also owns and operates subsidiaries SMI Properties, U.S. Legend Cars International, Performance Racing Network and zMAX Micro Lubricants. Hodge has been a member of the Speedway Motorsports family for more than 15 years, starting as the Director of Finance in August of 2006. He was appointed as Charlottes Executive Vice President in November of 2016 after working for Speedway Motorsports since 1999, initially as Vice President of Sales for Atlanta Motor Speedway. David Bruton Smith The funeral w open to the public and is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Speedway officials announced Saturday. A graduate of The University of Oklahoma with a political science degree, Ramage earned his JD at Oklahoma City University. 177 Bruton Smith Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images CREATIVE Collections Project #ShowUs Creative Insights EDITORIAL VIDEO BBC Motion Gallery NBC News Archives MUSIC BLOG BROWSE PRICING ENTERPRISE VisualGPS INSIGHTS BOARDS CART SIGN IN Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO I love this guy and everything hes done for our sport, said the 16-time NHRA champion. He also served as a director of SAI from January 1997 until September 2018. And when people like that get together, sometimes they don't see eye to eye.'. ``I think he's a hell of a guy.'. Not Michael Logan. The Charlotte Observer generally does not name victims of alleged domestic violence. Smith is among the ``very rare percentage of the human race over the history of mankind that absolutely thrive on their ability to come back,' Wheeler said. In a court deposition in Charlotte last year, Smith said he kept his speedway stock certificates ``in a metal box when I lived here' in the early 1960s. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in accounting. Bruton Smith's life, business. He lived a truly remarkable life fulfilling his love for the automobile business, motorsports,. I'm a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races and its been fun to always try and push the sport to greater heights for the fans, Smith told the Associated Press in 2015. Following a 2021 victory at zMAX Dragway, John Force dedicated the win to Smith. He was also charged with attempted strangulation of a. Mr. Smith joined the Company in 1996 as a sales associate at CMS and was named Manager of New Business Development in 1999. David Bruton, Jr. was born in Houston, Texas, January 12, 1931. She was the mother of David's children. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Our new platforms, programs, and people are set to drive the next generation of automotive experiences. Ramage was promoted to his current position in Aug. of 2022. Heath R. Byrd has served as Sonics Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2013. Born March 2, 1927, Smith was the youngest of nine children and grew up on a modest farm in Oakboro, North Carolina. Mike Burch is Speedway Motorsports Chief Operating Officer, a title he has held since January of 2022. He met a girl 21 years younger than him while working as a client and immediately liked her. One day about five years ago, right after another hugely profitable and successful Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race, Charlotte Motor Speedway President and General Manager H.A. With an inspiring determination and relentless optimism, Smith built a business empire through the automotive and motorsports industries and left a legacy to inspire generations of his family, friends and colleagues. Mr. Smith served as Sonics Vice President of Corporate Strategy from October 2005 to March 2007, and also served prior to that time as Dealer Operator and General Manager of several Sonic dealerships. People like that take big hits.'. Governance watchdogs say a firmer response is needed after Sonic Automotives David Smith was charged withassaulting a woman. Mr. Smith is the son of Mr. O. Bruton Smith. Please provide your email address to begin receiving price alerts at home, at work, and on your phone. Public asset : 2,789,859 USD. Prior to his election as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Smith served as Sonics Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Strategic Officer from March 2018 to September 2018, as Sonics Vice Chairman from March 2013 to March 2018 and as an Executive Vice President of Sonic from October 2008 to March 2013. Bruton Smith and other executives at Sonic Automotive took big pay cuts in 2018, as the owner of car dealerships failed to meet earnings targets.. After his marriage, David and his wife went to Alabama and there engaged in farming, later moving to . For updates on the status of the detainment of, and other criminal proceedings for, DAVID BRUTON SMITH , you must write to or call the appropriate courthouse. Officers responded just after 5 a.m. Wednesday to an area near the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Carolyn Coleman Way and found , "The Wall Street Journal just so happened to have a supportive op-ed ready to publish within hours of the meeting. This information is according to proxy statements filed for the 2021 fiscal . The speedway was no longer a publicly held company. In 2014, Smiths passion for automotive retail continued with the creation of EchoPark Automotive. David Ragan (@DavidRagan) June 22, 2022. Scott Cooper has served as the Senior Vice President of Communications for Speedway Motorsports since August of 2020. Cooper began his career with the company as Charlotte Motor Speedways Senior Manager of Promotions and Media Relations in 1999, before being promoted to the title of Director of Marketing and Public Relations in 2004. Cooper was named Charlottes Vice President of Marketing and Communications in 2007 and served the company in that capacity for 13 years. In this role, Fickenscher develops new Fans First initiatives and continues improving the sports entertainment companys best-in-class fan experiences. Information about funeral arrangements will be made available at a later date. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. William R. Brooks, 68, has been Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a director of Speedway Motorsports since its organization in 1994. Marcus G. Smith and Anna Lisa Smith are their known two children out of the four. But the moment the word ``divorce' was mentioned, Smith stopped the questioning. Christopher Powell has served as President of Las Vegas Motor Speedway since June of 2008. Marcus Smith, David Smith, Scott Smith, Wyatt Smith and William Brooks. Our Founder O. Bruton Smith (1927 - 2022) Directors Marcus G. Smith David Bruton Smith Scott Smith William R. Brooks General Managers Jerry N. Caldwell Mark Faber Matt Greci Jill Gregory Brandon Hutchison David McGrath Christopher Powell Mike Tatoian Greg Walter Gerry Horn Doug Rice Executive Leadership Cary Tharrington Rob Ramage Mike Burch Bruton Smith was a promoter and owner/CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Born on September 25, 1993, Belgium, Van Damme made his debut in the Jupiler Pro League, Read More Miguel Van Damme Obituary, Burial, Funeral, Pictures, Memorial ServiceContinue, Highlife music legend Nana Kwame Ampadu has been confirmed dead at age 76. Cynthia Jacobson is Speedway Motorsports Executive Vice President of Human Resources, overseeing all human resources, benefits and payroll functions across all divisions in the company. Pay plunged for him and the others because of big drops in incentive payments tied to the company's earnings goals, according to securities Amanda Zhou covers public safety for The Charlotte Observer and writes about crime and police reform. Camper is a graduate of Liberty University. Linked companies : Sonic Automotive, Inc. - Speedway Motorsports, LLC. Bruton Smith was not only an amazing entrepreneur and businessman, he was an even greater dad and my best friend. Bonita Harris and Bruton Smith met at the Rockford, Illinois dealership in 1969 when he sold her a new Thunderbird. Sad News - Bruton Smith UPDATE: Services Announced. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. (Corcoran HM Properties) CHARLOTTE The $7.2 million sale of Sonic Automotive CEO David Bruton Smith's home in south Charlotte topped the charts in . Bowling began his career with the company as Texas Motor Speedways Credentials Coordinator in 1999, before being promoted to Director of Ticket Operations in 2004. Gerry Horn has served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Performance Racing Network since July of 2018. "On 29 June 1849, STEVENSON, Samuel M. to BRUTON, Edith A. by SMITH, Rev. Press Esc to cancel. Mr. Dyke served as Sonics Executive Vice President of Operations from October 2008 to September 2018. He graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in marketing. 0. Mr. Brooks joined Sonic Financial from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") in 1983, currently is an officer of Sonic Financial, has served as Vice President of CMS since before the organization of SMI, and has been Vice President and a director of AMS since its acquisition and TMS since its formation. ``When you're talking about that, you're talking about family,' Smith said. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Listen to this article. From 1994 to 1998, he served as manager of media relations and publicity on RJRs NASCAR Winston Cup program. In 1986, he paid $1.9 million to 723 former stockholders of Charlotte Motor Speedway to settle a lawsuit in which they accused him of paying them an unfairly low price for their stock. Scott Smith, 51, is Co-Founder of Sonic Automotive, Inc. ("SAI") and has over 28 years of experience in the automobile dealership industry. The wreck happened between 2 and 2:30 a.m. It does not store any personal data. Wardell although had learned to ride a bicycle at an early age, he took up the sport of mountain biking at the age of 15. The Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office dismissed all domestic violence-related charges filed against Sonic Automotive CEO David Bruton Smith on Friday. He was a transformative figure in American motorsports, and was inducted to both the NASCAR Hall of Fame (2016) and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (2007). Bruton Smith cause of death Bruton Smith wife and children We invite you to share condolences for Bruton Smith in our. And Wheeler's letter, gleaned from divorce records in Mecklenburg County District Court in Charlotte, is a rare glimpse into the private business world of Charlotte Motor Speedway and its flamboyant owner. O. Bruton Smith, who built the family's fortune acquiring stock-car racetracks and auto dealerships, took Charlotte-based Sonic public in 1997. The arrest warrant also states that the victim had redness around her neck and scratch marks. Prior to joining Sonic, Mr. Byrd served in a variety of management positions at HR America, Inc., a workforce management firm that provided customized human resource and workforce development through co-sourcing arrangements, including as a director, as President and Chief Operating Officer and as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer. Charlotte Motor Speedway owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bruton Smith was laid to rest Thursday. The billionaire was ranked #207 on the Forbes 400 list with an estimated worth of $1.5 billion in 2005, and fell to #278 (worth an estimated $1.4 billion) in 2006. The location is Central Church, Charlotte Campus, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte. Jonathan Brady is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Speedway Motorsports, a role in which he has served the company managing information technology systems since 2008. He founded Speedway Motorsports, which owns and operates 11 race tracks across the United States . The pair married on June 6, 1972, in Las Vegas. Bruton Smith was the founder and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, who owned NASCAR tracks including the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Rice joined PRN in 1988 as director of affiliates and, after serving in other managerial positions, was named Vice President and General Manager in 1999. Today and in the years ahead, Sonic Automotive will honor my fathers legacy through our companys commitment to our guests, teammates, manufacturer partners, and communities we serve. Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife, son in June 2021 ``And anybody who does that is going to run into stumbling blocks. You cant fight your mom and God, so I stopped driving.. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in public relations and marketing. Mr. Brooks also has served as a director of SAI since its formation in 1997. Smith sold his first car, a 1939 Buick sedan, for a small profit and continued to sell cars from his mothers front yard. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. David Bruton Smith is CEO of Sonic Automotive . ``It isn't. Track the forces driving change. ', Their business relationship is untypical - more of a partnership than a boss-employee relationship, he said. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in sports management. More information about Sonic Automotive can be found at www.sonicautomotive.com and ir.sonicautomotive.com. Smith established Speedway Racing in December 1994 by merging his motorsports businesses, and in February 1995, he made it the first motorsports firm to list on the New York Stock Exchange. CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Please see the statement below from David Smith, CEO of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (Sonic'' or the Company) (NYSE:SAH), on the passing of the Companys founder and executive chairman Bruton Smith.