Mark Smith, the owner of TriStar Motorsports who went from engine builder to race-team owner, has died following a long battle with cancer. He was 63.
NASCAR extends its condolences to friends & family of longtime engine builder, TriStar Motorsports owner Mark Smith: https://t.co/G0glU4Stwz pic.twitter.com/2bavqEzm8E
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 25, 2017
NASCAR issued a statement that read:
NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Mark Smith. mark For more than 30 years, Mark was a familiar and friendly face across all levels of NASCAR competition. He excelled as an engine builder, advancing from his roots in the K&N Pro Series to become two-time engine builder of the year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Mark's contribution to racing will not be forgotten, and he will be missed dearly.
Smith began his career as an engine builder and was named the "Engine Builder of the Year" twice, in 2008 and 2009. He founded TriStar in 1989, and his teams ran in NASCAR Cup Series from that year until 1997. After a break, TriStar ran in the Cup Series in 2012-2013, and in 2017. Since 2010, TriStar has fielded cars in the Xfinity Series.
Acording to the TriStar website, the team field one full-time entry in the Monster Enegey NASCAR Cup Series, with Cole Whitt driving the No. 72; and one entry in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, with J.J. Yeley handling the No. 14.
The family has created a Facebook page for anyone to leave a memory of Smith.