Corey LaJoie left his mark on the Charlotte Roval over the weekend and we’re not talking about the tire marks from when he spun his No. 32 Ford.
No, the Go Fas Racing driver left an artistic mark on the Roval and he did so in the dead of night on the eve of Sunday’s Cup race.
Inspired by the “turtle” nickname given to the track’s rumble strips located in numerous turns, LaJoie had a creative itch.
It was an itch that could only be scratched via a “covert mission” with LaJoie armed with two cans of spray paint and two rolls of tape.
When the sun rose Sunday, one of the “turtles” in the frontstretch chicane bore a face. And not just any face. It was the smiling, green face of one of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Raphael to be specific.
“No I did not have permission,” LaJoie tweeted. “Hopefully forgiveness (shrug emoji).”
Everybody rest easy. There is now a Ninja Turtle. Top secret mission “Kowabunga” is affirmative. pic.twitter.com/729Ek7zgpD
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) September 29, 2019
Raphael survived the race unscathed.
Come Monday afternoon, LaJoie revealed that Raphael had a new home in the main lobby at Charlotte Motor Speedway and that operation “Kowabunga” - named after the Ninja Turtles’ catchphrase - was a “major success.”
Seems like LaJoie was forgiven.
Guys. The Ninja Turtle made it to the main lobby. #Kowabunga was a major success. pic.twitter.com/YlZRQNVDhU
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) September 30, 2019
But LaJoie does have one wish for the fate of Raphael. He’d like to see it used to raise money for a good cause.
I think @MarcusSMI should auction it off for Speedway Children’s Charity.
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) September 30, 2019