(WGHP) — Former Charlotte Motor Speedway executive Humpy Wheeler has died at the age of 86, NASCAR announced.

The "innovative track promoter," as NASCAR described him, helped propel the sport onto the national stage in the '70s during his tenure as the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. • Lowe's Motor Speedway president H.A."Humpy"Wheeler is considered to be one of the best promoters in the motosports industry. Pictured here in 1998 riding an elephant, he could be the "Barnum & Bailey" of racing.(Photo/Harold Hinson) • Lowe's Motor Speedway president H.A."Humpy"Wheeler boldly sticks his head in the Tiger's mouth during a press conference about the "young lions" in NASCAR.(Photo/Harold Hinson)

Wheeler held that role for 33 years from 1975-2008 after being hired by Bruton Smi

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