Banner
NASCAR Cup News
The End Of An Era
Tuesday, 20 May 2008 19:00
By: Jay W. Pennell Sprint Cup Correspondent HardcoreRaceFans.com This morning I awoke to my AM/FM clock radio tuned into NPR (National Public Radio) and heard the startling news; the Charlotte Observer had reported Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s president and general manager H.A. ‘Humpy’ Wheeler was going to retire following this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600. A press conference was quickly announced as news began to circulate throughout the NASCAR Nation. As he entered the Time Warner Cable Media Center, located in the middle of the track he spent 33 years promoting, Wheeler received a standing ovation from everyone in the room. Taking the microphone, the legendary promoter assured everyone, “This is not a publicity stunt, it’s not to sell tickets, but if it does it’s okay.” Wheeler took his time to give his reasons for leaving saying, “It was time to go,” but that it was something he was not particularly looking forward to. After joining the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1975, Wheeler was quick to make his way through the ranks, becoming general manager one year later in 1976 and being named the speedway’s president in 1980. His long career has been full of good times, good people, great memories and great races. For Wheeler, the biggest thing that stood out in those 33 years was the people. That was evident by the 50-60 Lowe’s Motor Speedway employees that joined the press conference to say their goodbyes to their long-time boss. Wheeler announced a deal with an unnamed “well-known author” to pen a unique book covering the side of racing often unseen. The South Carolina-native also said he plans to continue the “Humpy Show” which is due to air on SPEED Channel in conjunction with the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Wheeler will also become the Chairman of the Charlotte Regional Partnership beginning in 2009 and looks to continue working with the Motorsports Management program at Belmont Abbey College. NASCAR had never quite experienced anyone like ‘Humpy’ Wheeler, and will struggle to find someone to fill his shoes. His accomplishments include bringing lights to the mile-and-a-half Lowe’s Motor Speedway – admittedly his hardest and most rewarding task, improving fan amenities at the track and providing fun and elaborate pre-race shows for the fans waiting for the race. The Belmont, N.C.-native admitted the person replacing him would have a difficult task at hand. “The most important thing is to have bright young management that understands racing.” Wheeler pointed out that the product on the track is the first, second, third and fourth concern of any promoter. “We need racers running the sport and a lot of the time that is not happening and it’s creating problems,” Wheeler explained. He urged his replacement to get to know the drivers and crew chiefs on a personal level, offer them advice and encouragement and listen to what they have to say – and don’t forget about the plumbers (back to that fan amenities thing). While Wheeler appeared to be at ease with his decision, he admitted the choice was not entirely his own. “Some of it was [on my own terms],” Wheeler explained, “I won’t say it all is. I’ll lay at rest with that.” Although the room was full of media and Lowe’s Motor Speedway employees, one person was noticeably absent from the day’s announcement; Speedway Motorsports Inc.’s chairman and chief executive officer, Bruton Smith. “I’m not sure why he’s not here,” Wheeler said as he responded to Smith’s absence. Smith commented on Wheeler’s retirement by saying, “’Humpy’ Wheeler is a true legend in motorsports and his contributions will be missed. His career with Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. has been filled with many innovative promotions and I am sure that he will be remembered as one of the greatest promoters in racing history.” When asked whether or not he would have any further involvement with Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Wheeler was clear that his time at the speedway was over. “It’s not because I don’t want to [stay involved],” Wheeler told HardcoreRaceFans.com, “I know some of my friends here will still call and ask me for advice, but nothing outside of that.” A true showman, H.A. ‘Humpy’ Wheeler is a one of a kind man and a legend in his own right. His exuberant personality is one unseen in many folks these days and his accomplishments would make any mother proud. He will truly be missed by everyone in the garage, the media and especially by those fans in the stands at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. So if you are heading out to the track this weekend for the Coca-Cola 600, be sure to stand up and show your appreciation for the man who cares as much about you – the Hardcore Race Fans – as you care about racing. Wheeler added, “I look forward to addressing the crowd for the last time at Lowe’s Motor Speedway Sunday during my 32nd Coca-Cola 600, and thanking them for being there because without them we have nothing.”
< Prev
 

More NASCAR Cup News