Sources in and around the NASCAR/Winston Cup garage area say there isn’t a chance that Bruton Smith will ever spilt from NASCAR. In fact, drivers, team members, and notables in the NASCAR camp state “off the record” that this so called “Civil War” is a fable, a fairy tale, or quite simply a Disney Production want to be. It appears, that financially, the worst thing that could ever happen to Bruton Smith would be a change in NASCAR. You see, it is in Bruton’s best interest, according to many, that NASCAR and NASCAR stock continue to be what they are, and that the growth continues, and continues, and continues, building that ever so important stock further and further up in the market. NASCAR’s stock market value is Bruton’s life boat. It has been said by many that Bruton is maxed out financially, and can not afford a split in NASCAR or a drop in the value of NASCAR stock. No, quite the contrary, the ever so talked about “war” between Bill France, Jr. and Bruton Smith could be devastating to Smith’s racing investments, and future plans. Bruton Smith needs NASCAR, and many say that he has taken out mortgages, leins, and more, on well known racing properties, personal property, and more to support his two babies, Texas and Charlotte. Does it make sense? Well, in the grand scheme of things it makes more sense for Bruton to stay as a NASCAR ally, then to leave…but stranger things have happened.(Nancy-StockCarFans.com)(5-11-98)
