STATESVILLE, N.C. — Tri-Star Motorsports team owner Mark Smith died Saturday following a long and private battle with cancer. He was 63.
Smith began his racing career building engines for his brother Jack’s drag car in the 1970s. Mark moved his family from the West Coast to pursue a career in NASCAR. As owner of TriStar Motorsports and Pro Motor Engines, Smith was known for being a hands-on owner, always willing to help where needed and provide a story or laugh.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Victory Junction Gang victoryjunction.org or NOVA (National Organization for Vehicle Access, part of the BraunAbility) novafunding.org.
TriStar Motorsports, currently fielding the No. 14 in the XFINITY Series and the No. 72 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, will steadfastly continue operations under the leadership and management Smith’s son, Bryan.
“It was dad’s dream to own and operate a NASCAR team. He devoted his life to that dream and his family plans to honor his wishes by continuing our efforts in his memory,” said Bryan Smith.
Smith is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 43 years Kathy and their three children Amy, Bryan, and Kevin. He is also survived by his mother Shirley Smith, brothers Jack (Sue and family) Smith, and Matt (Tammy and family) Smith, stepdad Jack Gundlach, stepsister Suzanne (Jack and family) Harsha, stepbrother Jack (Lynette and family) Gundlach.
Source :speedsport.com
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