Legendary NASCAR track promoter Humpy Wheeler dies, aged 86

Humpy Wheeler, a native of Belmont, North Carolina, ran Charlotte Motor Speedway for 33 years, and became famous for revolutionizing the way NASCAR events were promoted. His pre-race shows were the stuff of legend, including bringing in Robosaurus, which is a giant, mechanical fire-breathing robot that eats cars.

Credited as a true visionary, Wheeler was recently named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

With Wheeler at the helm, Charlotte was the first venue to build at-track condominiums, and made further upgrades to the facility in ways no other track at the time thought possible. He was also one of the architects behind putting lights at the 1.5-mile track in 1992, leading to ‘One Hot Night’ — the most famous All-Star Race in the history of NASCAR. He proved that a track that size can be run at night, and many others have followed suit.

Humpy Wheeler accepts a special reserve wine from winemaker Richard Childress

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

“Humpy Wheeler was a visionary whose name became synonymous with promotion and innovation in our sport,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France. “During his decades leading Charlotte Motor Speedway, Humpy transformed the fan experience through his creativity, bold ideas and tireless passion. His efforts helped expand NASCAR’s national footprint, cement Charlotte as a must-visit racing and entertainment complex and recently earned him the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s prestigious Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Wheeler family and all who were touched by his remarkable life and legacy.”