Motorsports legend ‘Humpy’ Wheeler dies at 86

CONCORD, N.C. — H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, the longtime president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway who became known as the “P.T. Barnum of motorsports,” died Tuesday of natural causes surrounded by family. He was 86.

Wheeler, hired by Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith in 1975, oversaw operations at the track for more than three decades before retiring in 2008. 

He earned a reputation as one of NASCAR’s most influential promoters, remembered for his “Fans First” philosophy, mentorship of drivers and industry leaders, and elaborate pre-race spectacles.

Charlotte Motor Speedway officials called Wheeler “a promoter’s promoter” whose vision helped establish the 1.5-mile superspeedway as one of the most innovative venues in motorsports. “Humpy’s engaging smile and flair for promotion were legendary, and his impact on every stakeholder in motorsports will be long-lasting,” the track said in a statement.

Often described as a showman, Wheeler emphasized fan experience above all, urging staff to focus on tickets, traffic and toilets” to keep crowds coming back. He said his goal was to add “a little technicolor in people’s black-and-white lives.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

 The family has requested that donations be made in Wheeler’s name to the Belmont Abbey College Motorsports Management Program, which he helped launch more than 20 years ago to prepare young professionals for careers in racing business and marketing.