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.

"He saw things, and then he saw what could come from things," said Doug Rice, a longtime friend who worked with Wheeler at the speedway.

Wheeler joined Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1975, serving as the track's president until his retirement in 2008. Just one year into h

See Full Page