CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) - Longtime Charlotte Motor Speedway president H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler died on Wednesday.

Wheeler died peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, Aug. 20, surrounded by family. He was 86.

“Charlotte Motor Speedway was blessed to have a leader in Humpy Wheeler who can only be described as ONE of a kind,” officials wrote in part.

About Humpy Wheeler

Wheeler is known as a transformative figure in the world of racing.

He was hired by Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith in 1975, overseeing the operations of Charlotte Motor Speedway until he retired in 2008.

Wheeler was known for his “fans first” approach, mentorship of drivers and industry professionals, and his flashy pre-race stunts. His quirks earned him the nickname “the P.T. Barnum of motorsports.”

Charlotte M

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