Smith's son says his father was more pleased than he thought he'd be at getting into hall

CONCORD, N.C. – Bruton Smith was happier than he expected at making the NASCAR Hall of Fame this week.

His son, Marcus Smith, is the chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports Inc., the company that his father founded and turned into one of the country's premiere owners of race tracks. Charlotte Motor Speedway will host the Coca-Cola 600, an SMI property, on Sunday night.

Marcus Smith says his father wasn't thinking much about selection day last Wednesday because he had been nominated for several years and had not gotten the call. But when word came down he was among the hall's five newest members "it was certainly very special for him."

Bruton Smith hadn't felt well this week, but Marcus said he would attend the race.