NASCAR said that Charlotte, NC – Hampi Wheeler, a leading motorsport promoter and former president and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway have died. He was 86 years old.
Charlotte Motor Speedway said the wheeler died on Wednesday for natural reasons, which was surrounded by his family.
The NASCAR family mourned the loss of the “hump” wheeler. pic.twitter.com/gd2il3xlp0
– NASCAR (@nascar) August 21, 2025
“Hampi Wheeler was a visionary called a synonym for promotion and innovation in our game,” said Jim France, president of NASCAR. “During his decades, Head of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hampi changed the fan experience through his creativity, bold thoughts and tireless passion. His efforts helped NASCAR’s national footprint, Cement Charlot to expand Cement Charlot as a mast-politics and entertainment complex.”
Howard Augustine Wheeler Junior was born in 1938 in Bellmont and got his first major promotional job with Firestone Tires and Rubber Company. Firestone held several other positions after Firestone shut down its racing program in 1970 and was hired in Charlotte Motor Speedway by Bruton Smith owner Bruton Smith as President in 1975.
He became a transformative person in promoting racing and was known as “PT Barnam of Motorsports” for attractive prepared stunts, detailed presentations, and fans have no expenses to ensure that the most pleasant experience in his events was possible.
Earlier this year, the wheeler was named the winner of NASCAR’s prestigious Landmark Award for outstanding contribution to NASCAR.
