Overview

• Charlotte Motor Speedway said Wheeler died on Aug. 20 of natural causes, peacefully surrounded by family, with NASCAR also confirming his passing.
• He led Charlotte Motor Speedway from 1975 to 2008 and later served as president of Speedway Motorsports, guiding the venue for 33 years.
• His innovations included installing permanent lights that enabled the 1992 ‘One Hot Night’ All-Star Race, building trackside condominiums, and helping create The Winston All-Star event.
• Wheeler became famed for theatrical pre-race productions such as Robosaurus, school bus jumps, and military displays, cementing his reputation as the sport’s master showman.
• NASCAR Chairman Jim France hailed him as a visionary, while figures including Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Mario Andretti posted tributes; he had been named the 2026 Landmark Award recipient and will be enshrined with the Hall’s Class of 2026.