Jeff Gordon and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Charlotte Motor Speedway has a flair for the dramatic that is probably unmatched by any other NASCAR racetrack in the country. Marcus Smith, president of Charlotte Motor Speedway (and son of Bruton Smith, owner of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and its dozen-plus racetracks from coast to coast), has carried on the tradition of entertaining and wowing race fans at the Charlotte/Concord track similar to the way his predecessor Humpy Wheeler did for decades.

Yesterday, Charlotte Motor Speedway kicked off this weekend's annual Food Lion AutoFair, where more than 1,500 collectible vehicles are lining the 1.5-mile track, with Jeff Gordon and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles revealing a special paint scheme that Gordon will race in the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 13. Gordon’s two-year-old son, Leo--not to be confused with Leonardo of the TMNT, was there with his dad. He's a few years younger than I was when the turtles became one of the biggest kid attractions of the 1980s and 90s--I remember watching the cartoon, going to see their movies, and wanting to "scarf down pizza" the way they did.

Jeff Gordon and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Photos by Brad Bowling/CMS Photo.

Marcus Smith surrounded by Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, and Raphael.

At yesterday's press event, Gordon said if he wins the Bank of America 500 in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles paint scheme next month, he'll breakdance in victory lane. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be presenting the Bank of America 500 pre-race show with concerts by Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice and country music stars Big & Rich, along with a daredevil stunt by world-famous tightrope walker Nik Wallenda (more flair for the dramatic). There will be special TMNT activities, appearances, and family fun throughout the race weekend. Click here for ticket info.