Wallenda Inked For Charlotte Pre-Race



Fans have come to expect speed and danger on the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but on Oct. 13 they’ll be looking up – way up – at an aerial exhibition during the Bank of America pre-race show presented by Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 



Wallenda will perform at CMS

World-famous tightrope walker Nik Wallenda, who made headlines earlier this year when he traversed a 1,500-foot span across Niagara Falls on live television, will bring his high-wire thrill show to Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

In 1977, CMS became one of the first tracks to host elaborate pre-race shows, and through the years, fans have witnessed a reenactment of the Battle of Grenada; a three-ring circus; numerous world-record automobile stunts; a 5,000-member marching band; and an assemblage of 5,000 firefighters honoring the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001. 

“We always strive to give fans an unforgettable race day experience,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “This year, Nik wowed us all at Niagara Falls, and now fans can see him in action at the greatest place to see the race. Whether it’s on the track or in the air, the Bank of America 500 will be a combination of entertainment and thrills that only Charlotte Motor Speedway can deliver.” 

Wallenda, a six-time Guinness World Record holder for various acrobatic achievements, will walk a 5/8-inch wide wire from high above the frontstretch grandstands, more than 750 feet to a crane set up behind Victory Circle. At times, the wire will be more than 100 feet – 10 stories – above the ground, and his total walk will equal the length of two-and-a-half football fields. 

This year’s performance marks the 26^th anniversary of The Flying Wallendas’ high-wire act at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1986, Nik’s predecessors walked from the grandstands to pit road as part of a circus-themed prerace show. 

“I’m honored to continue the great Wallenda family tradition performing at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Wallenda. “The speedway has always set the bar for pre-race entertainment and excitement, and I’m looking forward to raising that bar to new heights this year. 

“NASCAR drivers are used to driving on the edge, and in my job, it’s really no different,” he said. “It takes an extreme level of focus and commitment to your craft to be successful, and there’s really nothing quite like the thrill of being out there and performing.”

With the Bank of America Weekend Pass, fans can obtain a reserved frontstretch seat to the Bank of America 500 (Oct. 13), the Dollar General 300 (Oct. 12) and Bojangles' Pole Night & UNOH Southern Slam 150 (Oct. 11), beginning at just $99. Fans can also add a choice of a scanner rental, NASCAR Hall of Fame Ticket or Race Shop Tour upgrade for just $25. To purchase tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.