CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, the legendary former president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, passed away on Wednesday. He was 86.

Wheeler reportedly died peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by loving family.

Wheeler was a major force in shaping modern NASCAR, the Charlotte Motor Speedway said. Hired in 1975 by Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith, Wheeler led Charlotte Motor Speedway for more than three decades before retiring in 2008. Known for his larger-than-life personality and creative flair, he earned the nickname "the P.T. Barnum of motorsports."

According to Charlotte Motor Speedway, "Humpy’s engaging smile and flair for promotion were legendary, and his impact on every stakeholder in motorsports will be long-lasting."

Charlotte

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