(WGHP) — Former Charlotte Motor Speedway executive and legendary motorsports promoter 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. • Kyle Busch, left, and H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, President of Lowe's Motor Speedway, chat prior to qualifying in Concord, N.C. Thursday, May 26, 2005. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) • Francis Flock, left, widow of inductee Tim Flock, laughs with former manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, H.A. Humpy Wheeler who presented her with the her late husband's hall of fame ring during the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C.

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