US EditionHumpy Wheeler, the ‘P.T. Barnum of Motorsports,’ Dies at 86
Wheeler led Charlotte Motor Speedway for 33 years, pioneering innovations like night racing and elevating NASCAR's fan experience, earning the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions.
- Howard “Humpy” Wheeler Jr., who led Charlotte Motor Speedway for many years as its president and general manager, passed away this week at age 86 in Charlotte, surrounded by family.
- Wheeler's transformative role in motorsports began when he was hired by Bruton Smith in 1975 and culminated in his retirement from Speedway Motorsports in 2008.
- He was known as the ‘P.T. Barnum of motorsports’ for his innovative promotions, including the first night race at Charlotte in 1992 and elaborate pre-race spectacles that enhanced fan experience.
- Earlier this year, Wheeler won NASCAR’s Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions, but he will not attend the 2026 Hall of Fame induction as he passed away before the ceremony.
- Wheeler's enduring impact includes broadening NASCAR’s audience, guiding many future industry leaders, and helping establish an academic program at Belmont Abbey College that continues to equip students for careers in motorsports management.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Humpy Wheeler, NASCAR legend and the 'PT Barnum of motorsports,' dies at 86
(WGHP) — Former Charlotte Motor Speedway executive and legendary motorsports promoter Humpy Wheeler has died at the age of 86, NASCAR announced. The "innovative track promoter," as NASCAR described him, helped propel the sport onto the national stage in the '70s during his tenure as the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Kyle Busch, left, and H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, President of Lowe's Motor Speedway, chat prior to qualifying in Concord,…
NASCAR Community Mourns Death of Track Promoter Humpy Wheeler
If it was over the top, outrageous or unthinkable to do before a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Howard “Humpy” Wheeler was all for it.Wheeler, who was an innovative leader in motorsports promotion, died on August 20 at the age of 86.Tributes the NASCAR industry started pouring in when the news broke early on Thursday.Charlotte Motor Speedway was HomeIn 1975, track owner Bruton Smith hired Wheeler as the track’s development director bef…
Former Charlotte Motor Speedway executive Humpy Wheeler dead at 86
(WGHP) — Former Charlotte Motor Speedway executive Humpy Wheeler has died at the age of 86, NASCAR announced. The "innovative track promoter," as NASCAR described him, helped propel the sport onto the national stage in the '70s during his tenure as the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Lowe's Motor Speedway president H.A."Humpy"Wheeler is considered to be one of the best promoters in the motosports industry. Pictured here in 1998 ridi…
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