BRISTOL, Tenn. – Carl Moore, the co-founder of Bristol Motor Speedway and a former Tennessee state senator and representative, died Thursday at the age of 91.
Moore partnered with Larry Carrier and R.G. Pope to launch Bristol Motor Speedway in 1961. The track welcomed the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time that season, with Jack Smith being declared the winner of the inaugural race after being relieved mid-race by Johnny Allen.
He was also instrumental in the creation of Bristol Dragway, which debuted in 1965 and continues to host the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and other drag racing events to this day.
The Bristol facility was sold by Moore, Carrier and Pope in 1976 to Lanny Hester and Gary Baker. Several years later Carrier would eventually reacquire the track before selling it to Bruton Smith’s Speedway Motorsports Inc., which continues to own and operate the track today.
“The entire Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Carl Moore, one of the founding fathers of this iconic facility 60 years ago,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. “Carl was one of the visionaries who created the initial sketches and diagrams of Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway on the back of a brown paper bag. With his leadership and tireless work ethic, along with co-founders Larry Carrier and R.G. Pope, the track quickly became an established venue in NASCAR and has grown to be one of the sport’s fan-favorite destinations. Throughout the years he has been a wonderful supporter of everything that we do and he will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Elliott, and the family.”