NASCAR’s always been about more than just cars tearing around the track. It’s a full-on experience, and nobody knew that better than H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler. The legendary promoter, who passed away at 86 just two days ago, turned race days into can’t-miss spectacles during his 33 years running Charlotte Motor Speedway. Humpy didn’t just sell tickets; he sold memories.

His pre-race shows were pure magic: think paratroopers dropping from the sky, jets buzzing so low you felt it in your bones, and wild stunts like a jet-powered school bus screaming down the straightaway. He even staged a mock military invasion with tanks once, just to make jaws drop.

Humpy’s big idea was simple: give fans a show that leaves them buzzing as much as the race itself. He wanted folks walking out saying, “I can’

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