N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper Joins Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Concord Mayor Bill Dusch And NASCAR on FOX Broadcaster Michael Waltrip Preview Circle K Speed Street

L-R: Charlotte's Mayor Vi Liles, CMS' Greg Walter, NC Governor Roy Cooper, SMI's Marcus Smith and Michael Waltrip tour the Circle K Speed Street preview

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• From competing on iRacing simulators and writing letters of support to troops overseas to taste-testing Pit Boss Grill tailgate specialties and photo ops with an F-16 fighter jet, state and regional VIPs toured several of the fan-friendly, interactive displays that will greet fans at the all-new Circle K Speed Street this weekend
• Circle K Speed Street is open to all race ticket holders Friday through Sunday, highlighted by Grammy-nominated rapper Flo Rida taking the stage on Friday night and the legendary classic rock group Steve Miller Band on Saturday

CONCORD, N.C. (May 26, 2022) – North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper toured the all-new Circle K Speed Street at Charlotte Motor Speedway ahead of this weekend’s historic 63rd running of the Coca-Cola 600. Gov. Cooper was joined by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Concord Mayor Bill Dusch, NASCAR on FOXbroadcaster Michael Waltrip, Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith and Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter in visiting several of the interactive displays that thousands of fans will enjoy throughout the weekend.

“Motorsports are part of the fabric of who we are as North Carolinians,” Cooper said. “NASCAR started right here. We know, not only is this good to bring people together – friends and family – but it’s also good for our economy. It’s good for great-paying jobs. It’s good for tourism. With Speed Street – I’ve been to it many times – it’s great to bring it here, closer to the action.”

Fans from 50 states and 12 foreign countries will descend upon America’s Home for Racing this weekend, filling hotels and restaurants, visiting race shops and driving the economy. Before the green flag waves on the action-packed weekend, the VIPs got a sneak peek of Circle K Speed Street, including turning a few laps on a Coca-Cola iRacing simulator and writing letters to troops serving overseas. The group also snapped a photo with a life-sized F-16 and enjoyed virtual reality experiences at a special U.S. Air Force display. They were also treated to samples of a variety of tailgating specials courtesy of Pit Boss Grills.

“Creating remarkable events is one of the tenants of what we do here at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and brining Circle K Speed Street into the fold as part of a tremendous Memorial Day Weekend is just one more example of that,” Walter said. “After months of planning, we’re thrilled to finally be able to see everything coming to life as we get ready to officially open the gates on Friday.”

Highlighted by concerts with Grammy-nominated rapper Flo Rida on Friday and classic rock icons Steve Miller Band on Saturday, Circle K Speed Street serves as a prelude to the historic 63rd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday. The event, with its traditional Memorial Day Weekend place on the NASCAR schedule, also concludes the industry’s NASCAR Salutes campaign, honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services.

“There’s tears of joy, there’s sadness, but when you shake the hand of a fallen military person’s family and tell them ‘thank you’ for how much they mean to you – it’s a wonderful weekend,” Waltrip said. “To see how we continue to build and make the pre-race ceremony bigger and bigger, they do a great job of honoring, and that’s what this weekend is all about – honoring.”

TICKETS: Reserved grandstand seats for the Coca-Cola 600 have sold out. Limited standing-room-only tickets are still available, as well as tickets for Friday’s General Tire 150-N.C. Education Lottery 200 doubleheader and Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 300. Any weekend event ticket will get fans access to Circle K Speed Street. For tickets, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

FOLLOW ALONG: For the latest news, schedules and ticket information visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com