On Sunday, May 20, 2012, a close friend shared with me a full-page ad from Bank of America that appeared that same day in the Charlotte Observer, the local wrapper of fish where he and his wife now make their home. I'd like to share with you today, the exact wording found within the text of the advertisement regarding Charlotte Motor Speedway.
"In 1959, Bruton Smith had the vision to design and build what many race fans now call, "The Greatest Place to See the Race" -- Charlotte Motor Speedway. Today the Speedway sets the standard in motorsports entertainment, allowing fans to truly immerse themselves in the sport. Bank of America has worked with Charlotte Motor Speedway from its inception, providing the financing and support that have helped make it the mecca [SIC] of motorsports. It's a local-business story that has helped establish racing as one of the most popular sports in the world.
Charlotte Motor Speedway also contributes $400 million annually to the regional economy and employs hundreds of area residents. It's another example of how we're working to help locally based businesses grow and hire in and around Charlotte -- and across the country."