Humpy Wheeler, the trailblazing motorsports promoter who long served as president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, has died at the age of 86. Officials said Wheeler passed away Wednesday of natural causes, surrounded by his family, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The NASCAR community mourns the loss of H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, whose name became synonymous with innovative promotion and ambitious fan experiences. NASCAR chairman Jim France praised Wheeler’s decades at Charlotte Motor Speedway, noting that his creativity, bold ideas, and tireless passion helped broaden NASCAR’s national reach and reinforced Charlotte as a premier motorsports and entertainment destination.
Born Howard Augustine Wheeler Jr. in 1938 in Belmont, Wheeler began his career in publicity with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. After Firestone discontinued its racing program in 1970, he joined Charlotte Motor Speedway as president in 1975, where he would become a transformative figure in how racing events were presented to fans. Known as the “P.T. Barnum of motorsports,” Wheeler was celebrated for his prerace stunts, elaborate productions, and willingness to spare no expense to create a memorable experience for spectators.
Wheeler’s influence extended beyond high-spirited showmanship. He played a key role in expanding NASCAR’s footprint and elevating Charlotte into a must-visit hub for racing enthusiasts and visitors from around the country. Earlier this year, Wheeler was named the winner of NASCAR’s Landmark Award for outstanding contributions to the sport, marking official recognition of a career defined by promotional bravado and lasting impact.
He will be remembered for turning racing events into immersive experiences that blended competition with spectacle, helping to set a standard for how promotions and entertainment can elevate a sport. The motorsports world will likely reflect on Wheeler’s legacy as a driver of growth, fan engagement, and the enduring appeal of Charlotte as a premier racing destination.