Last night, we lost Humpy Wheeler.
Wheeler helped catapult NASCAR to fame with the World 600 and pre-race stunts. Bold promotions at Charlotte Motor Speedway made the track a must-visit NASCAR venue.
The track became the first 1.5-mile track to install lights and host a night race. That came directly from Wheeler.
Those unique promotions catapulted Wheeler to general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. In 2008, he left his role at CMS.
Wheeler was 86.
Charlotte Motor Speedway issued the following statement Thursday morning:
“Charlotte Motor Speedway was blessed to have a leader in Humpy Wheeler who can only be described as ONE of a kind,” Charlotte Motor Speedway opened in a statement.
“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.”
“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 toilers” 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.”
“While the Motorsports world has lost an icon, the legacy H.A. ‘Humpy’ Wheeler created by building and promoting remarkable events at Charlotte Motor Speedway will continue for generations to come.”
NASCAR released the following statement on Thursday morning:
“Humpy Wheeler was a visionary whose name became synonymous with promotion and innovation in our sport,” NASCAR CEO Jim France opened.
“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.”
Related: Bruton Smith has passed
Mario Andretti: “Rest in peace Humpy Wheeler. There are many giants in the industry; Humpy was the master. There will never be another one like him. That is the enduring legacy of Humpy Wheeler. Godspeed and safe journey to heaven my friend.”
Richard Petty: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Humpy Wheeler. Humpy was one of a kind, a true showman and one of the sharpest minds this sport has ever seen. We’ll all miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Rusty Wallace: “On behalf of my family and our organization, I’d like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Humpy Wheeler. A NASCAR Hall of Fame Landmark Award winner, Humpy made an irreplaceable impact on our sport and how it operates. He was a true innovator that was far ahead of his time and he helped nurture countless future leaders in our sport. While Humpy may be gone, his legacy will undoubtedly live on. He will be greatly missed.”
Clint Bowyer: “Saddened of the news that Humpy Wheeler passed away. What an incredible promoter and visionary. He always figured out a way to give the fans the “bang for their buck” that they deserved. ALWAYS had time to stop and catch up. NASCAR was/is better because of him.”
World of Outlaws: “We will continue to strive to be the consummate promoter Humpy Wheeler was and carry forward his vision for entertaining fans and creating compelling events.”
