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closeReaction | What they're saying about Wheeler's retirement
DAVID POOLE
The Charlotte Observer
Wednesday, May. 21, 2008
Some of the reaction after Wednesday's news conference and announcement of H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler's retirement from Lowe's Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports Inc.:
"In his more than 30 years on the job, he has never failed to entertain us, and he has always put the fans first. Humpy's contributions will go down as some of the most significant in our sport's history. ...I would say that we're going to miss Humpy, but I know he'll continue to be a leader in this community for a long time to come. He'll be the same character, contributor and friend that he's always been, and we're all very grateful for that."
- Rick Hendrick, NASCAR team owner
"Any time 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. ...But there will never be another Humpy Wheeler."
- Larry McReynolds, Fox Sports analyst
"It may be a few more years before we can really measure the impact that Humpy Wheeler had. Over his 33-year career, he and I had one thing in common. We both have always held true to the notion that the fans are what drive our sport. His passion was to ensure that when each fan left the track, they felt as if they had been a part of a happening. Under his direction, Lowe's Motor Speedway became the gold standard by which all other race tracks were built and in how they were measured. Whatever he chooses to do next, I'm sure he will go about it in the same way."
- Richard Petty, seven-time Cup champion driver
"I made numerous trips to Humpy's office seeking nothing more than a chance to bounce ideas off the man synonymous with free thinking and grand ideas. And, for me, it wasn't just about coming up with the coolest ideas to promote the sport of NASCAR, it was about the enthusiasm and excitement Humpy generated around each one of them."
- Hunter Nickell, president of Speed Channel
"I'm surprised to hear the news because I envisioned Humpy running Lowe's Motor Speedway another 20 years. I could see him sitting in a wheelchair with a blanket across his lap by the driver introduction stage giving drivers his advice, seeing old friends and calling the shots. He is such a force, such a creative energy that has played a vital role in shaping the sport we enjoy today. People that don't even know his name became NASCAR fans solely due to Humpy's creative promotions. I know that I am a far better promoter as a result of being a graduate of 'Humpy University.' "
- Eddie Gossage, president and general manager of Texas Motor Speedway and a former Lowe's Motor Speedway employee