by Richard Petty mourns the loss of an emblematic nascar figure Thursday morning.
The Nascar world announced Thursday morning that Humpy Wheeler, the former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway, died. Wheeler, known for having directed the movement to obtain lights in the emblematic NASCAR track, died Wednesday evening August 20. Charlotte Motor Speedway officially announced his death on Thursday morning.
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“The humping smile and flair of Hummpy for the promotion have been legendary, and its impact on each stakeholder in motorsports will be durable. Often described as the` pt barnum of motorsport ”, “ HUMPY did not only make its mark with advertising, but also with a laser-focus towards fans. And white people “, announced the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“While the world of motorsport has lost an icon, the Hompy ‘Wheeler heritage created by the construction and promotion of remarkable events at Charlotte Motor Speedway will continue for future generations.”
Wheeler was president of the largest NASCAR track for more than 30 years. He was hired by the founder of Speedway Motorsports, Bruton Smith, in 1975. Wheeler finally supervised the operations of the first place Nascar until his retirement in 2008.
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Richard Petty, one of the most emblematic figures in Nascar’s history, is deeply saddened.
Las Vegas, Nevada – March 03: Richard Petty, owner of the Nascar Hall of Famer and GMS Motorsports, looks during the Nascar Craftsman Truck Series Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 series in Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 03, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo of Meg Oliphant / Getty Images) Meg Oliphant & Sol; Getty Images
Petty, seven times champion of the Nascar Cup series which contributed from 1958 to 1992, went to social networks to pay tribute to Hummpy.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Humpy Wheeler. Hummpy was unique, a real showman and one of the most sharp minds that this sport has ever seen. We will miss it all. My thoughts and my prayers are with his family,” Petty wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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Nascar legendary figures all pay tribute
Several Nascar legendary figures, from Dale Earnhardt Jr. to journalist Bob Pockrass, have all weighed on the death of Hummpy.
“It has had a massive impact of growth and excitement of the whole sport. AID tons of drivers and other people to obtain opportunities that have changed lives and careers. Always a friend and a supporter of the industry. RIP HUMPY,” wrote Dale Jr.
“The former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Humpy Wheeler, died last night. He was 86 years old. He led lights to Charlotte (no big trace had lights at the time). Also instrumental in Janet Guthrie in competition in the world 600. RIP,” wrote Bob Pockrass.
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Wheeler died of natural causes. Nascar will continue to cry throughout the rest of the season of the 2025 Cup series.
This story was initially reported by the SPUN on August 21, 2025, where it appeared for the first time in the NASCAR section. Add the vein as a favorite source by clicking here.
