THE voice actor of a legendary character in Cars who was also a Nascar icon has died aged 86.

Humpy Wheeler was a former longtime president of the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

He was also an executive at Nascar , and helped revolutionize them over 33 years.

Wheeler also transformed the North Carolina track into a global racing hub.

His death was announced on Thursday afternoon in a statement.

It revealed he passed away peacefully of natural causes.

He was surrounded by his beloved family.

Wheeler was the voice behind Tex Dinoco in Cars.

He was a a Cadillac Coupe de Ville in the hit Pixar animated classic.

The character also appeared in its sequel, Cars 3.

Tributes poured in from across the racing world following the news.

That included from Nascar chairman and CEO Jim France.

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