Rate this article:
"NASCAR Legends"
“NASCAR Legends” by Don Hunter and Ben White belongs on the shelf of every true NASCAR fan...
Our Price: $19.98
"Hot Rod Pinups II"
A Sequel to his 2005 bestseller Hot Rod Pin-ups, ace photographer David Perry offers an all-new collection of images.
Our Price: $35.00
Mickey Thompson: The Fast Life and Tragic Death of a Racing Legend
The complete story of this true American legend is one worth slowing down for.
Our Price: $25.00
Written by:
Megan Englehart
05/21/2008 - 03:01 PM
Charlotte, NC
Larry McReynolds, SPEED analyst: “Humpy Wheeler’s contributions to NASCAR are endless. He is the P.T. Barnum of promoters in NASCAR and has always been a leader. Anytime Humpy did something at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, it wasn’t long before other track promoters did something very similar. He has never been afraid to step outside the box and do things differently, even when people thought he was out of his mind.
“There is no question everyone tries to emulate him. Most of the ‘firsts’ at race tracks have occurred at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. What was the first track to build condos? LMS. What was the first track that built a speedway club/restaurant? LMS. What was the first track a mile or longer to put up lights? LMS. The list just goes on and on.
“To me, it’s a little scary he is retiring - not to belittle whoever will move into his position. Notice I didn’t say ‘replace’ him because you can’t replace Humpy Wheeler. The person who rolls into that office has some tremendous shoes to fill. I think Humpy has been so much a part of the success of SMI, although Bruton Smith has some good people in place at his other tracks. But most of them trained under Humpy.
“My hopes are he is retiring only from the presidency of Lowe’s Motor Speedway and not retiring from the sport and the track. I hope he will still be there, and if I know him like I think I know him, he will be there as a sounding board for whomever will take his position. But there will never be another Humpy Wheeler.”
Steve Byrnes, SPEED host: “People have always looked at Humpy Wheeler as a visionary but what he brought to the table was not
“Humpy understands how the fans should be treated. He is connected to Middle America and respects the fans and knows they are spending their hard-earned money to attend his races. He realizes there are certain amenities they deserve at the race track, from clean restrooms to pre-race entertainment to easy traffic flow. Humpy has always had his eye on the fans first.”
Bob Dillner, SPEED reporter: “Humpy was the innovator among promoters trying to do the best for racing of all forms. He honestly cares about the sport and the characters involved and not just the business side of it. Humpy understood what it took to put on a show and not merely stage a race. That’s truly what made Humpy very special.
“Humpy’s impact is apparent everywhere. He helped drivers progress in their careers --Dale Earnhardt Sr. was a prime example. Humpy provided an avenue for kids around the country to race as affordably as possible in Legends car. He has done so much for the sport outside Lowe’s Motor Speedway that so many people don’t know about.
“A lot of people try to mimic Humpy. When I’ve promoted races, I tried to think ‘what would Humpy be doing right now?’ I think every promoter in America tries to steal some of what Humpy has done but I don’t know if our time period will see another Humpy Wheeler.”
View All Comments
- Press Releases | Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | FOXReality | National Geographic -
The Online Motorsports Authority© Copyright 2008 Speed Channel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.