NASCAR legend Howard Augustine “Humpy” Wheeler Jr. died peacefully of natural causes on August 20, 2025, at age 86, Charlotte Motor Speedway announced. Wheeler served as president and general manager of the iconic North Carolina facility from 1975 to 2008, transforming it into one of the world’s premier motorsports venues through his innovative promotional vision.
Known throughout the racing world as the “P.T. Barnum of motorsports,” Wheeler played a pivotal role in NASCAR’s rise to national prominence. His career was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including bringing Janet Guthrie to compete in the 1976 World 600, where she became the first woman to qualify for a race at a NASCAR superspeedway. Wheeler also spearheaded NASCAR’s first night race in 1993, constantly pushing boundaries in stock car racing.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France praised Wheeler’s transformative impact on the sport. France described Wheeler as a visionary whose name became synonymous with promotion and innovation, noting how Wheeler transformed the fan experience through creativity, bold ideas and tireless passion. His efforts helped expand NASCAR’s national footprint and cement Charlotte as a must-visit racing and entertainment complex.
Wheeler’s promotional genius extended beyond traditional marketing. In 2007, he donned an apron and hat to pitch hot dogs and popcorn to fans alongside competitive eater Joey Chestnut, demonstrating his willingness to connect directly with NASCAR audiences. He famously instructed his staff to focus on “the three Ts – tickets, traffic and toilets” to ensure fans had the best possible experience. Wheeler also believed it was their job to put a little “technicolor in people’s black-and-white lives.”
The longtime motorsports executive worked alongside Charlotte Motor Speedway founder Bruton Smith for more than 30 years, with their partnership establishing the 1.5-mile superspeedway as one of the most innovative facilities in NASCAR. Marcus Smith, Wheeler’s successor and Bruton Smith’s son, noted that Wheeler and his father made an amazing duo who were better together than they would have been apart, creating a relationship that made remarkable things happen.
Wheeler’s influence reached beyond the racing community into popular culture. He provided the voice for Tex Dinoco, a Cadillac Coupe de Ville character in Pixar’s animated films “Cars” and “Cars 3,” introducing his personality to younger audiences. Before finding fame in motorsports, Wheeler was a fierce competitor in the boxing ring, compiling a 40-2 amateur record.
Recognition for Wheeler’s contributions came in 2025 when he was named recipient of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR as part of the Class of 2026. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and esteem of NASCAR throughout their careers.
Wheeler was laid to rest on August 25, 2025, during a solemn ceremony at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in south Charlotte, North Carolina. Family, friends and members of the NASCAR community gathered to honor his memory, followed by a reception at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Retired NASCAR driver Kyle Petty reflected on Wheeler’s lasting impact, noting that he didn’t touch just one fan but influenced generation after generation of racing enthusiasts.
Marcus Smith emphasized that Tuesday’s ceremony served as a reminder of how many lives Wheeler touched throughout his career. Smith described the gathering as feeling like a reunion of longtime friends and expressed that Wheeler’s legacy would continue at Charlotte Motor Speedway for future generations.
In lieu of flowers, the Wheeler family has requested that donations be made in Wheeler’s name to the Belmont Abbey College Motorsports Management Program, which he helped establish. Contributions can be made online or by mail to the Office of College Relations at 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont, North Carolina 28012.
Wheeler’s death marks the end of an era for NASCAR, closing the chapter on one of the sport’s most influential figures who dedicated more than three decades to elevating motorsports entertainment and expanding its reach to audiences nationwide.
