INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025) – A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles about longtime Charlotte Motor Speedway General Manager H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, who died Aug. 20 at age 86:
“Auto racing as a sport has been captivating since the invention of the automobile, but it was personalities and energetic promoters like Humpy Wheeler who helped broaden the appeal of auto racing by focusing on the entertainment that racing events could provide spectators. Humpy set the bar high for other tracks and other events, and his efforts to make racing popular and grow its fan base changed the way promoters thought about racing. Much of what you see today, from building the personalities in our sport to adding activities to racing weekends that engage fans off track, have roots in the example Humpy set for the sport. He will be missed, but his spirit, energy, passion and focus on fan experiences will continue to be a reminder that racing is so much more than just what happens on the track.” |
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 