CHARLOTTE, N.C. — H.A. "Humpy Wheeler," a legendary NASCAR promoter who made waves with spectacular pre-race entertainment at Charlotte Motor Speedway, has died, the speedway announced Thursday.

Wheeler, 86, died peacefully surrounded by loving family.

Before establishing himself as a NASCAR promoter, Wheeler had aspirations of being an Olympic boxer. Wheeler, who had a career record of 40-2 and was a Golden Gloves champion, retired from the sport in 1960. He was inducted into the Carolina Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.

Wheeler joined Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1975, serving as the track's president until his retirement in 2008. Just one year into his time at CMS, Wheeler made headlines when he worked with Bruton Smith to bring sports car racer Janet Guthrie in to race in the World 600,

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