H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, longtime president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, died Tuesday at age 86. His family said he passed peacefully of natural causes surrounded by loved ones.
Wheeler was hired by Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith in 1975 and led operations at the Concord track until his retirement in 2008.
Known for his “FANS First” philosophy, Wheeler became a respected mentor to drivers and industry leaders. He was also famous for his bold and theatrical pre-race shows, a style that earned him the nickname “the P.T. Barnum of motorsports.
Wheeler, a native of Belmont, North Carolina, was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
“Humpy Wheeler was a visionary whose name became synonymous with promotion and innovation in our sport,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France 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.”