David Exum: Humpy Wheeler's presence missed at Lowe's Motor Speedway

By David Exum - SceneDaily Staff Writer

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Article Rating: 4.0
Rate this Article

TEXT SIZE: Increase Text Size Decrease Text Size Reset Text Size
6 Comments. Leave a Comment

Digg This
Add to Del.icio.us
RSS Feeds
Email
Print

Latest Headlines

COMMENTARY

It took me a few days to figure out what was missing at Lowe's Motor Speedway last week: legendary promoter Humpy Wheeler.

Wheeler, who worked for Speedway Motorsports Inc. for more than 30 years and made LMS the crown jewel of the organization, retired unexpectedly in May. His last race at the 1.5-mile track was this year's Coca-Cola 600.

Although I'm sure the speedway's new president, Marcus Smith, will do fine as Wheeler's replacement, the Humpy buzz was truly missing.

Wheeler's presence was always apparent whenever I had the chance to cover NASCAR for the Boston newspaper I used to write for.

You would see him everywhere around the track, too. He'd be in the media center, he'd be greeting fans, he'd be in the garage area talking to drivers. Wheeler's energy was endless when it came to promoting races at LMS.

In 2007, I had the chance to attend a World of Outlaws show at The Dirt Track at LMS, and Wheeler made a stop by the press box to talk about how excited he was that the place was packed and that ticket walk-up traffic that night far exceeded his expectations.

Later that year, in Manhattan at the Sprint Cup awards banquet I had a chance to talk to Wheeler about how far NASCAR had come in growth from the first time it held the reception back in the early 1980s in The Big Apple.

Wheeler was a pioneer in the sport when it came to promoting races, and he was way ahead of his time. Fans who came to LMS during Wheeler's tenure didn't get to just see an exciting stock-car race, but they also were given prerace shows that without a doubt were the best in the business and something that I doubt will ever be matched.

Hopefully, Smith, who is SMI owner Bruton Smith's son, will eventually be able to find himself a suitable person to promote upcoming NASCAR races at LMS because that kind of person is missing right now.

That's not by any means to knock the current administration at LMS. It's just that the hoopla and excitement that it took Wheeler years to create there are gone.

Thankfully, SMI still has men such Scott Cooper, the track's current PR man, who worked under the tutelage of Wheeler alongside Jerry Gappens - the current president of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Eddie Gossage, another former student of Wheeler’s, currently runs SMI’s Texas Motor Speedway, and in these three men, the Humpy spirit will remain intact for many years to come.

Wheeler's departure from his position at LMS was the end of a chapter in NASCAR history that will never be matched. Wheeler deserves to be enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame immediately after it opens in 2010, and whenever I roll through the gates at LMS, I will always think of his legacy here.

Average Rating: 4.0

Comments

6 responses to "David Exum: Humpy Wheeler's presence missed at Lowe's Motor Speedway"

1
David Marks said:
Oct 14, 2008 at 6:47 AM
It still blows my mind that they let this guy go. No knock against the son...but Humpy is still "The Man"!!
Report as Abuse

Report Abuse

This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report
2
Josh Bunton said:
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:13 AM
Humpy Wheeler was a great man. He would talk to anyone it didn't matter if you were Brian France or an average race fan. He still would talk to you. What Humpy did at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Will never be matched by anyone.
Report as Abuse

Report Abuse

This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report
3
jerry swiatek said:
Oct 14, 2008 at 1:34 PM
What a great promoter, will never be matched I don't think in any sport Even Boxing!
Report as Abuse

Report Abuse

This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report
4
Susan Coley said:
Oct 14, 2008 at 3:19 PM
"Humpy" will be missed at LMS, which I still call it CMS (Charlotte)....He is a fine man! So friendly to everyone!!
Report as Abuse

Report Abuse

This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report
5
Penny Bryant said:
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:52 PM
I haven't met "Humpy", but I was blessed in seeing and enjoying the results of his efforts. I agree, he left shoes that will never be filled as far as I am concerned. But I support those who will continue to try.....so keep trying and we will continue to come and watch! Charlotte is a great place to spend the weekend, lets not drop the ball on its ability to excite and entertain. The shows honor and respect for our countrys military, to me, is one of the best things that has been done at the races, keep it up.
Report as Abuse

Report Abuse

This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report
6
Teema H. said:
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:29 PM
...When the talk started about NHIS being bought by the "Lowe's Gang"...about a year and a half ago...I thought...well, maybe they will do some things(fall 2008) like at Lowe's to captivate the fans and engage the fans.. But they didn't...sigh...which leads me to believe that they are NOT going to spend any money here to improve it...and will take away one race here...A track that ALWAYS sells out...will likely lose a race...where as a little work to this racetrack(some banking) would improve racing greatly...IMHO
Report as Abuse

Report Abuse

This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report