Wheeler in the fast lane since split with SMI, Lowe's Motor Speedway
By Michael Smith - Special to the Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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Humpy Wheeler has been busy since he left Speedway Motorsports Inc. in May, negotiating to represent NASCAR drivers, pitching a television show concept to Hollywood and consulting for racing network Speed.
His somewhat messy split from SMI and its chairman, Bruton Smith, might have appeared painful at the time, but Wheeler said it has been anything but since he stepped down as Lowe’s Motor Speedway president and branched out on his own.
This week, Wheeler, 69, announced that he’s forming The Wheeler Co., which will put Wheeler in business with his son, Trip, a sales and marketing executive at Velocity, and his daughter, Patti, who owns a TV production company in Charlotte. Trip plans to stay with Velocity as an independent contractor.
Humpy will be chairman and Trip will serve as president. Patti will maintain her position as president of Wheeler TV.
The Wheeler Co. will focus primarily on consulting within motorsports. Humpy said he hopes to work with the NASCAR Hall of Fame when it opens in 2010 – he has played a significant role with its formation already -- while also getting into driver representation.
But a key, he said, will be not spreading himself too thin. He’d like to develop about four or five core relationships and work with just a few drivers. Wheeler also is writing a book.
“I don’t care who it is, after 33 years of something you need a change,” Wheeler said. “And I needed a change. I’ve welcomed it. My enthusiasm is there, my energy is there and working with Patti and Trip is going to be terrific.”
When asked his age, Wheeler replied, “69 ... going on 50.”
Wheeler’s pet project is a made-for-TV racing series that he’s pitching to networks. While some of the racing details are being formulated, he’s talking about a competition that involves speed and contact on a modified short track. He’s working with Hollywood producer Barry Josephson on the concept, and one test race has been held in front an audience.
“It wouldn’t be reality TV as we know it, but it’d be awful close,” Wheeler said. “It’s not a time buy, it’s something we’re trying to sell to the networks like you’d sell ‘Survivor.’ ... I think America is ready for an innovative TV show with a new type of racing.”
Wheeler also has talked to NASCAR and could become a consultant for the sanctioning body. While he has what he termed a “minor consulting deal” with SMI, it does not preclude him from working with rival International Speedway Corp. or any individual tracks.
Michael Smith is a reporter with SportsBusiness Journal.
Comments
5 responses to "Wheeler in the fast lane since split with SMI, Lowe's Motor Speedway"
Scott Baker said:
Aug 20, 2008 at 3:14 PMGo get'em Humpy. Glad to hear he's enjoying life after Lowes.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBarb Kinney said:
Aug 20, 2008 at 5:58 PMThe best to you and your family Humpy and all you endure.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTom Ellis said:
Aug 21, 2008 at 7:56 AMHumpy will be great at what ever he takes on He was the back bone of SMI
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRALPH ANDREWS said:
Aug 22, 2008 at 12:14 AMHang in there Humpy, there's all ways to continue your vast knowledge of promoting race tracks and drivers
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRonald Schwalbe said:
Aug 24, 2008 at 7:08 AMWhat ever happened to "The HUMPY Show"on Speed ? I saw the one episode with Kurt Busch and Buddy Baker, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a GREAT concept -just sittin' and talkin' about the "good old days" but - - Never saw another episode scheduled.
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