Overview

• Charlotte Motor Speedway said Wheeler died Wednesday of natural causes, surrounded by family.
• He led Charlotte Motor Speedway from 1975 to 2008 and also served in leadership at Speedway Motorsports.
• His promotions and facilities set new standards, including the 1992 night All-Star Race, track-side condominiums and pre-race spectacles such as Robosaurus.
• Earlier this year he was named the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s 2026 Landmark Award recipient, making the honor posthumous.
• NASCAR’s Jim France issued a statement lauding his vision, and figures including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Richard Petty and Mario Andretti shared public tributes.