Students paint turtles at Charlotte Motor Speedway

CONCORD, N.C. — A large collection of local school kids teamed up at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Monday to paint turtles.

That’s what they call the 6-inch tall, 100-pound steel kerbs bolted to the asphalt that keeps drivers on the ROVAL course at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The kids painted those “turtles” as part of the speedway’s year-round STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) program.

“It’s a great way to get them involved and think a little bit outside the box about motorsports and the other elements that are involved,” Melissa Stirewalt, the speedway’s STEAM coordinator said.

The kids had some help too, as NASCAR Cup Series drivers A.J. Allmendinger and Daniel Hemric joined them for the event. 

The winning turtle will be placed on Turn 1 for the Bank of America ROVAL 400, which is Sunday, Oct. 13 and airs on WCNC Charlotte.