NASCAR Hall of Fame Statement on the Passing of Humpy Wheeler
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AUGUST 21, 2025) – The following is a statement from NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley on the passing of H. A. “Humpy” Wheeler.
First and foremost, on behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team, I want to offer our most sincere condolences to Humpy’s wife, Pat, daughters, Traci and Patti, and son, Trip and the entire Wheeler family on the passing of Humpy Wheeler, the 2026 recipient of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Landmark Award.
Humpy’s contributions to and accomplishments in NASCAR are without parallel. The breadth and depth of his legacy, and those whom he influenced, assisted and mentored, cannot be overstated.
Known for his flair for the dramatic through his innovative promotions, Humpy is most recognized for his 33-year tenure as President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. He played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility that attracted fans from across the globe and a wide range of corporate sponsors. Among his notable achievements was spearheading the effort to light Charlotte Motor Speedway, making it the first superspeedway to host night racing. Frequently adding new dynamics to the sport, Humpy’s visionary leadership and creativity helped shape today’s fan experience through the introduction of dramatic pre-race ceremonies along with the development of night racing at superspeedways. Through his innovative promotions and stunts, Wheeler’s contributions expanded NASCAR’s national and international presence during the 1990s and early 2000s, solidifying Charlotte as “NASCAR’s Home for Racing.”
Humpy was well known for mentoring and assisting hundreds, if not thousands, of people throughout the NASCAR industry. Among them were the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt and Landmark Award recipient Janet Guthrie, both of whom he supported at the initial stages of their NASCAR careers. I count myself among the many he mentored. His motive in helping others was always, quite simply, his passion and love for NASCAR and his desire to encourage others to do as he did — to leave things better than he found them.
NASCAR has lost one of its true legends in growing NASCAR, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame team and I have lost a cherished friend. His legacy, influence and legendary contributions to NASCAR will live on in our minds, our hearts, our archives and at the NASCAR Hall of Fame forever.
About the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop. Opened on May 11, 2010, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.