NASCAR Legend H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler Dead At 86

Longtime Charlotte Motor Speedway president and innovative racing promoter H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler died peacefully of natural causes on Aug. 20, according to the track.

Wheeler was president of the iconic facility from 1975 to 2008 and oversaw its growth into one of the world’s premier motorsports venues.

“For more than 30 years, Humpy was a promoter’s promoter at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Alongside our founder Bruton Smith, Humpy pushed the speedway to new and greater heights – establishing the famed 1.5-mile superspeedway as not only the most innovative facility in NASCAR for fan, partner and competitor amenities, but also one of the most progressive in all of sports,” the track said in a statement on his death.

“Humpy’s engaging smile and flair for promotion were legendary, and his impact on every stakeholder in motorsports will be long-lasting. Often described as the “P.T. Barnum of motorsports,” Humpy not only made his mark with publicity, but also with a laser-focus toward the fans. He would often tell his staff to pay attention to “the three Ts – tickets, traffic and toilets” in order to ensure fans have the best possible experience. He would also say it was our job to put a little “technicolor in people’s black-and-white lives.”

Read Also: 2026 NASCAR SCHEDULES REVEALED WITH CHICAGOLAND, NORTH WILKESBORO AND … ST. PETERSBURG?

“Humpy Wheeler was a visionary whose name became synonymous with promotion and innovation in our sport,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said in a statement. “During his decades leading Charlotte Motor Speedway, Humpy transformed the fan experience through his creativity, bold ideas and tireless passion. His efforts helped expand NASCAR’s national footprint, cement Charlotte as a must-visit racing and entertainment complex and recently earned him the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s prestigious Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Wheeler family and all who were touched by his remarkable life and legacy.”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING NEWSLETTER FOR THE LATEST UPDATES

Funeral plans have not yet been announced, but Wheeler’s family has requested that well-wishers make a donation to the Belmont Abbey College Motorsports Management Program he helped found in lieu of flowers.

This story has been updated with additional information