Fans have come to expect plenty of speed, danger and fun on the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but on Oct. 13 they ‘ll be looking up way up for an aerial show that’s sure to delight during the Bank of America pre-race show presented by Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 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. No previous show has risen to the heights that will be achieved during this year’s Bank of America 500, when Wallenda, a six-time Guinness World Record holder for various acrobatic achievements, takes to the high wire. Wallenda will descend from above the frontstretch grandstands over a span of more than 750 feet to a crane set up behind Victory Circle, all while balancing on a tiny 5/8-inch cord. At times the cord will hang 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 26th anniversary of The Flying Wallendas ‘ high-wire act at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1986, when Nik’s predecessors walked from the grandstands down 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,’ Wallenda said. ‘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.’ Wallenda said he is excited about the opportunity to showcase his talents at one of the world’s premier entertainment venues and to add his name to the growing list of world-renowned performers who have thrilled audiences during pre-race events here over the past 35 years. To purchase tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(8-30-2012)
